Construction of three chariots begins on Akshaya Tritiya

Bureau,Odishabarta

Puri: Ratha Anukula (beginning of construction of three chariots for Rath Yatra) and 21-day Chandan Yatra began on the auspicious occasion of Akshaya Tritiya on Tuesday amid tight security.

As per the tradition, Brahmins performed a yajna at the Rath construction yard. Thereafter, servitors brought ajnamallyas of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra in a procession from Srimandir and handed them over to three Biswakarmas as a mark of entrustment of responsibility for the construction of three chariots.

Biswakarmas were presented with headgears. Three Dhaura timber logs were consecrated and Biswakarmas with their gold and silver axe began work. Later, iron axe was used.

The 21-day Chandan Yatra began on Tuesday with traditional grandeur. Madan Mohan, representing the idol of Lord Jagannath, along with Ramakrishna, Sridebi and Bhudebi boarded a nicely decorated palanquin Maniviman and began their journey to Narendra tank accompanied by Pancha Pandavas at about 3.25 pm. Bimanbadus, a special set of servitors, carried the palanquins on their shoulders.

After arrival at Narendra tank, the servitors escorted them to Chandan Chakada. Deities were placed on board the swan-shaped boats popularly called Nanda and Bhadra for Chapakhela. With this, the Dina Chapa (daytime boating) began. In the evening Rati Chapa (boating in night) begins. After Chapakhela, the deities were accorded sandalwood paste and aromatic water bath in Chandan Kunda (bath tub) located in Chandan Chakada.
Deities were offered Mandya bhog (a special delicacy) and were dressed in flower. In the late evening, they returned to temple.