Namaskar, dear readers!
If you’ve ever visited Puri or are planning to, chances are you’ve heard of the Rath Yatra. However, have you heard of the Chandan Yatra Puri—a vibrant and sacred water festival that cools the soul of the Lord and his devotees alike? Indeed, let’s take a deep dive into this 42-day celebration of devotion, tradition, and divine summer relief.
What is Chandan Yatra? – A Sacred Cooling Festival for the Lord
Just as we seek shade and cool baths in the sweltering summer heat, similarly, so does Lord Jagannath—the ever-living deity of Odisha. That’s the beauty of Chandan Yatra Puri, where sandalwood paste and water rituals are offered to the Lord to comfort him during the hot months.
Beginning with Akshay Trutiya and eventually ending on Snana Purnima, this 42-day ritual meanwhile involves daily processions, sacred boating events, and intimate ceremonies connecting God with his devotees.
Chandan Yatra – How Long Does the Celebration Last?
Two Halves, One Purpose
The Chandan Yatra Puri is divided into:
- Bahara Chandana (First 21 Days): The priests take the deities out in processions to the Narendra Pushkarini tank for boat rides.
- Bhitara Chandana (Last 21 Days): The temple priests conduct rituals within the temple premises, and they hold boating only on special days like Amavasya, Purnima, Shasthi, and Ekadashi.
Rituals & Processions – What Happens During Chandan Yatra?
Morning Rituals – A Day in the Life of the Lord
The day begins with Mangal Alati, Abakash, Surya Puja, Dwarpal Puja, Sakal Dhupa, and more. These rituals prepare the deities for their outing.
The Grand Procession to Narendra Tank
At noon, the priests carry idols of Madanmohan, Bhudevi, Sridevi, Ramakrushna, and the Pancha Pandavas (five Shivalingas) from the Lion Gate of the Jagannath Temple to the tank in a colorful palanquin procession.
The highlight? The Manivimana (Lord’s palanquin) swings rhythmically to the beats of Odissi bhajans, drums, conch shells, and banati (fireball displays).
Water Sports – Where God Floats with Grace
The deities are then placed on giant swan-shaped boats named Nanda and Bhadra. Accompanied by Odissi dancers, live music, and temple rituals, this scene is nothing short of divine theatre on water.
Chariot Construction Begins – Rath Yatra Preparations Kick Off
Akshay Trutiya doesn’t just mark the start of Chandan Yatra—it’s also the sacred day when the construction of Lord Jagannath’s chariots begins. A ritual involving holy fire offerings, blessings from Shrotriya Brahmins, and placement of the divine agnyanmala (order garlands) on the Dhaura logs officially flags off Rath Yatra preparations at the Rath Khala (chariot construction yard).
This connection reinforces the Lord’s readiness to come out to His devotees during the world-famous Rath Yatra.
Snana Yatra – The Culmination of Chandan Yatra
On Snana Purnima (Full Moon of Jyestha), the priests give the deities a ceremonial bath with 108 pots of water from the suna kua (golden well). Subsequently, the deities take on the ‘Gajanan’ (elephant-like) form and the priests place them on a decorated bathing platform outside the temple.
Following this, the deities enter a fortnight-long convalescence, during which the priests only reveal them in pattachitras (painted representations). Additionally, the priests offer only
People Also Ask – Top Questions Answered
What is Chandan Yatra in Puri?
Overall, Chandan Yatra is a 42-day summer festival in Puri where Lord Jagannath and his representative idols are smeared with sandalwood paste and taken for boat rides in Narendra tank to relieve them from summer heat.
When does Chandan Yatra start?
It starts on Akshay Trutiya, the third day of the bright fortnight of Vaisakha, and ends on Snana Purnima.
Where does the Chandan Yatra take place?
The boating rituals happen at Narendra Pushkarini (Narendra tank), located just 1.5 km from the Jagannath Temple in Puri.
Which deities take part in Chandan Yatra?
Idols of Madanmohan, Bhudevi, Sridevi, Ramakrushna, and the Pancha Pandavas (five Shiva Lingas) participate in the event.
What is the significance of Chandan Yatra in Jagannath culture?
It symbolizes the Lord’s human-like experience of seasons, tribal inclusiveness, and marks the beginning of the Rath Yatra preparation through the ceremonial start of chariot construction.
Plan Your Visit – How to Be Part of Chandan Yatra Puri
- Location: Visit Jagannath Temple & Narendra Pushkarini, Puri, Odisha
- When to Visit: Plan your visit from April to June (Akshay Trutiya to Snana Purnima)
- Stay Options: Choose hotels near Grand Road or Swargadwar
- Tips: Take photographs around the tank, but avoid doing so inside the temple
- Pro Tip: Arrive at the tank by 3 PM to secure a good viewing spot near the water sports
Final Thoughts – A Festival That Touches the Soul
Chandan Yatra Puri is not just about rituals—it’s about love, care, and personal connection with the divine. It reminds us that gods are not distant beings but share our lives, emotions, and even our summer struggles.
If you’ve never experienced it, you’re missing out on one of India’s most immersive spiritual spectacles.Plan your spiritual trip to Puri during Chandan Yatra.
Walk with the Lord. Float with Him. Feel the rhythm of Odisha’s living tradition.
And yes, don’t forget your camera (and your heart).
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