Chariot works start as Trinity takes boat journey

By Express News Service

PURI:  Ratha Anukula or ceremonial starting of building of chariots for the annual Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra started on the event of Akshaya Tritiya on Tuesday. The day additionally marked the primary day of the 21-day Chandan Yatra carried out amid tight safety.

As per custom, a yajna was held on the chariot building yard following which servitors introduced agyanmallyas of the Trinity in a procession from the Srimandir and handed them over to 3 Biswakarmas as a mark of entrustment of duty for the development of three chariots. 

Soon after, three Dhaura timber logs have been consecrated and Biswakarmas with their gold and silver axes started building work. Chief Aministrator of Sri Jagannath Temple Administration Vir Vikram Yadav mentioned, “The workers at the construction yard will be paid double the wages since they will be working under adverse conditions and stay away from  family for months.” He additionally added that devotees are more likely to take part within the grand ritual this yr. 

The 21-day Chandan Yatra additionally started with conventional grandeur on the day.  In the afternoon, Madan Mohan, the representing deity of Lord Jagannath together with Ramakrushna, Sridebi and Bhudebi have been taken to the Narendra Pokhari (tank) on a adorned palanquin. The servitors then escorted them to Chandan Chakada the place deities have been positioned on board the boats Nanda and Bhadra for ‘Chapakhela’ (boat race).  

Later, the deities have been bathed in sandalwood paste and fragrant water within the Chandan kunda (bathtub tub),  provided Mandya bhog (a particular delicacy) and wearing flowers to be taken again to the temple.
Ten platoons of police drive have been deployed alongside the 1.5 km route from Simhadwar to Narendra tank for easy conduct of procession of deities.