Chandan Yatra in Puri

The Legends Related with Chandan Yatra
It is believed that the history of Chandan Yatra has its root in the deep past of Mahabharata. During the Agyaatvasa of the Pandavas, they were staying in disguise in the palace of king Virata. After sometime when the king came to know about the Pandavas staying in his palace and he immediately met them and offered them prestige and friendship. One day the kind asked the Pandavas to let him meet Vasudeva, Shri Krishna.To fullfil his desire Dharmaraj Yudhisthir advised the king to arrange boat rowing in a tank for the amusement of Lord Krishna in summer months. To give the Lord comfort from the strong heat the king offered Him sandal paste in fragrant water. So the king arranged accordingly in a large tank the boat rowing festival. Being satisfied with the dedication and devotion of King Virata Lord Shree Krishna appeared along with his elder brother Balarama. The Lord with his elder brother Balarama and Pancha Pandavas enjoyed the Snana yatra and rowing festival. Thus beholding Lord Krishna in this rowing festival the pious king fulfilled his devotional desire.
In the remembrance of this historic incident Lord Jagannath who is believed to be an Avatar of Lord Krishna enjoys Chandan Yatra at the Narendra Tank. This festival is also known as Chandan Mahotsava and before the Narendra tank this festival was organized at other tanks of which one is called the Benta tank.
Festivities of the Chandan Yatra
The celebration of the festival of Chandan Yatra takes place for 42 days and it is basically divided into two parts where each part of the festival is being celebrated for 21 days.Bahara Chandan – Observed at the Narendra Tank
Bhitara Chandan - Observed in the Jalakrida Mandapa inside the Jagannath temple
The first part of the Chandana Yatra, Bahara Chandan is observed with a lot of enthusiasm and rituals are performed for 21 long days at the Narendra Tank. The last day of Bahara Chandan is called as Bhaunri (circle). During the Bhaunri (on the twentieth day) at night, the Chapa (special boat on which deities are seated) moves around 21 times. The Chapa again moves around 7 times in every corner and at the center of the tank. As per the Hindu Mythological books based on the Chandana Yatra which is known as the Jatra Bhagabata Bhaunri (encircling of Chapas) is celebrated 7 times in every corner starting from Agni Kona to Aishanya Kona. On the 21st day Ratra Chapa is not celebrated.
In these 21 days there are the 21 Besha (decorations) of Madanamohana are being done with huge celebrations. These are the Beshas of the deities which are done during the festivals.
Different Bhesas of Lord Jagannath
Natabara Besha
- Krushnajanma Besha
- Rajadhiraja Besha
- Banabihari Besha
- Vatsaharana Besha
- Gomatikrushna Besha
- Khatadoli Besha
- Chakranarayana Besha
- Nauka Keli Besha
- Rasamangala Besha
- Kandarparatha Besha
- Arghasura Besha
- Rahasa Mandali Besha
- Raghunatha Besha
- Sadabhuja Gauranga Besha
- Nrusingha Besha
- Govardhana Puja Besha
- Giridhara Besha
- Chintamani Besha
- Gajauddharana Besha
Also Read: Puri Rath Yatra