Puri: Today is the holy Chaitra Purnima. Preparations for Lord Jagannath Mahaprabhu’s summer Chandan Yatra have begun. The Bhoi Servitors have pulled out the boats named Nanda, Bhadra and Baijayanti, from the water of Narendra pond in the holy town. These boats are kept submerged in the water of the Narendra Pond all year round.
Mahaprabhu Lord Jagannath plays in His human form here in this holy town. Just as ‘Ghoda Bastra’ (winter clothes) are worn to the deities when it is very cold in the winter, to relieve the extreme heat, Chandan Jatra is performed in the Narendra Pond for 21 days. It is also called ‘Chandan Chapa Khela’.
The boats used by Mahaprabhu to sail are taken out of the water on today’ day. Then, after necessary repairs, they are painted and used in the Chandan Chapa.
After the 21-day Chandan Jatra is held in the Narendra Pond, the Bhitar Chandan Yatra (Jatra held inside the temple) is also celebrated inside the Srimandira temple premises till the previous day of Mahaprabhu’s famous Snana Yatra.
In the Chandan Jatra, the Thakurs are immersed in the Chandan Kunda in the Narendra Pond. On this occassion Keli and Mandua made from chhena are offered. The servitors also serve ‘tambula’ to Mahaprabhu.
After the Naubihara (boat ride) in the Narendra pond is over, the Mahaprabhu returns to the temple in the late evening.
The five Pandavas also return to their homes.
In such way, a 21-day Bahara Chandana Jatra (exterior sandalwood festival) is held in the Narendra pond. During this festival, rituals are performed in the temple to apply sandalwood and alat on the body of Mahaprabhu.