Puri: Rath Anukula (Beginning of construction of three chariots for annual Rath Yatra) and 21 days Chandan Yatra began on the auspicious occasion of Akshaya Tritiya on the Tuesday amid tight security.
As per tradition, Brahmins performed a yajna at the Rath construction yard. Thereafter servitors brought ajnamallyas of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra and debi Subhadra in a procession from the 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 (sarees for turban). Three Dhaura timber logs were consecrated and Biswakarmas with their gold and silver axe began work. Later iron axe was used.
Bir Bikram Yadav the Chief Temple Administrator told media persons that this year devotees are likely to participate in the ritual. Since they will work under adverse conditions remaining away from their family for months they would be paid double wages informed Yadav.
The 21 day long Chandan Yatra began on Tuesday with traditional grandeur. At about 3.25 P M 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 in their respective palanquins.
Bimanbadus a special set of servitors carried the palanquins on their shoulders. After arrival at the Narendra, tank 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 (day time boating) began.
In the evening the rati chapa (boating in night) begins. After Chapakhela the deities were accorded sandalwood paste and aromatic water bath in the 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 the temple.
Ten platoons of police were deployed along the 1.5 km route from Simhadwar to Narendra tank for smooth conduct of the procession of deities from Srimandir to Narendra tank. (UNI)