Chandan Yatra
The ChandanYatra or the Sandal Festival lasting over 42 days, is an important festival next to the Car Festival and SnanaYatra. It is observed both inside and outside the temple.
The part of the festival outside the temple is called Bhahara Chandana or outer Chandana which lasts for 21 days and the festival inside the temple, the Bhitara Chandana or Inner Chandana is observed for another 21 days.
Bahara Chandana starts from Akshaya Tritiya and construction of the Chariot for the annual Ratha Yatra Festival also starts from this day.
During the first 21 days, the representative idols of the main deities of the Jagannath Temple as well as images of Lord Shiva from five Shiva temples known as Pancha Pandava are taken in a procession from the Simhadwara or the Lion’s Gate of the temple to the Narendra Tirtha Tank on their respective Bimanas (Chariots carried on human shoulders).
In the Narendra tank, the images play in two beautifully decorated and illuminated Chapas (boat houses) and worshipped. They are generally taken around the tank in these Chapas. Then they are carried to a house known as Chandana Ghara inside the tank, where they are bathed for some time in scented water. Thereafter, they are dressed and decorated and Bhoga or food offerings are made.
Finally, the second round of cruise takes place with the said Chapas and then the images return to the main temple. The last day of the first phase of the Chandana Yatra is called Bhaunri.
The second phase of 21 days known as Bhitara Chandana is celebrated inside the main temple. On this occasion, the images are placed in brass pots containing water scented with sandalwood which is kept on a special platform called Jalakrida Mandapa i.e. water play platform. This is the platform on which the wedding of Krishna with Rukmini takes place during this period.
References:
