The Chandana Yatra, also known as the Gandhalepana Yatra, is the longest event held at the Jagannatha temple in Puri, India. The 42-day Chandana Yatra, which means Sandalwood Voyage in Sanskrit, is divided into two parts: Bahara Chandana and Bhitara Chandana are two varieties of Chandana.
Bahara Chandana is a 21-day fast that begins on Akshaya Tritiya. From Akshaya Tritiya, the chariots for the annual Ratha Yatra event are being built.
The representational idols of the Jagannath temple’s primary deities, as well as five Shivalingas known as the Pancha Pandava, are transported in procession from the Singhadwara or Lion Gate of the Jagannatha temple in Puri to the Narendra Tirtha tank for the first 21 days. For 21 days, the gods Madanamohana, Bhudevi, Sridevi, and Ramakrishna engage in this yatra. The deities are taken on a trip around the Narendra Tritha in two chapas (boats), Nanda and Bhadra. The deities are carried to the Narendra pond, which is near the Jagannath Temple, and placed on grandly decked boats for an evening cruise of the tank, following many rites.
Inside the temple, ceremonies have been held for the past 21 days. Instead of every day cruises, the Amavasya, the full moon night, the Shashti, and the Ekadashi of the dazzling fortnight, the joyful voyage takes place here on four occasions.
