Chandan Yatra -Odisha

In Odisha Chandan Yatra is the world famous yatra in Puri Jagannath temple. It is also known as Chandan Mahostav or GandhaLepan yatra.The Chandan Yatra of Lord Jagannath is observed for 42 days. It is divided into two parts of 21 day each. The first 21 days is known as Bahara Chandan and is observed in the Narendra tank. The second 21 days is known as Bhitara Chandan and is observed in the Jalakrida Mandapa inside the temple.

Chandan Yatra begins on the third day (Akshaya Trutiya day in hindu calander) during the Shukla Paksha in Vaisakha month (April – May), whose origin is traced back to the Mahabharata era. Lord Jagannath, Bhudevi, Shridevi, Rama, Krishna and Pandavas are carried in beautiful processions to the respective Tanks.

The Pandavas had the last year of their exile leading in Ajnatha Vasa residing in the court of King Virata . Bhim killed Kichaka After that King Virata came to know that the Pandavas are living his palace. King Virata wished to see Lord Krishna. It was summer months, so Yudhishtira advised King Virata to conduct a boat rowing in which Lord Krishna and his brother Balrama arrived in his kingdom. King Virata offered Lord Krishna sandal paste in fragrant water to avoid the strong heat. Because the summer heat is at its peak and sandal paste and water are essential to keep the people cool. Lord Krishna, Balrama and Pandavas enjoyed the Snana(bathing) Yatra and rowing festival. After that event Snana Yatra is well known as Chandan yatra, Which is dedicated to Lord Krishna and Balrama . Thousands of pilgrims flock the land of Lord Jagannath for this festival.