Priyanka Tiwari
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Suspense crime, Digital Desk : Sandalwood Chandan Yatra are celebrated all throughout the temples of Vrindavan. Chandan Yatra takes around 21 days to finish. Throughout its duration it tackles various rituals where deities are graciously smeared using newly formulated sandal paste.
350 devotees are expected to participate in key temples such as ISKCON Vrindavan, Srinath Ji, Radha Raman, Radha Damodar. The festival commences on the Akshaya Tritiya and ends on the Full Moon of Vaishakh month, closing off with the most Sought immanent God.
The festival does set out some traditional values when replicating the teachings of Lord Krishna. It is believed that a saint of Gaudiya Vishnav theology did sustain some rudimentary values regarding applying sandalwood paste during this time on the idol of God to provide relief to the devotees from the heat.
How the Rituals Are Performed
One week prior to Akshaya Tritiya, preparations are made to observe the day. Devotees chisel Chandan sticks into stone slabs and prepare sandalwood paste. This paste is freshly prepared and applies to the idol over the 21 days of observance.
According to Narada Purana, offering Tulsi leaves and sandal wood paste is very pleasing to lord Vishnu. Such rituals is considered equal to spiritual merit as food offered to the idols during worship.
How Wrindavan Celebrates Chandan Yatra
Temples in the area compete in elaborate rituals to celebrate the holiday and compete in decoration of their temples.
Krishna-Balaram deities lucidly get reprised everyday with Chandan paste at ISKCON Vrindavan.
Further, Radha Damodar presides over Chandan offerings to Damodar Ji and also themes Radha Raman Ji with a special outfit.
Srinath Ji temple also Profusely gets cast to set with detailed sandalwood decorations.
As part of “Jal Yatra” aiming to create an evershade cool tribute for the temples, flowers, chandan ittar, sponsored from cools fountains,along with vetiver, called khas khas, bungalows to shield the deites from excess heat are set at temples.
Spiritual Meaning Behind Chandan Yatra
As an offering, Chandan Yatra symbolizes service (seva) and devotion. More than custom, it expresses the bond that exists between followers and the supreme being. Bestowing relief during summer heat illustrates the unselfish affection and personal nurture that marks bhakti (devotion).
Devotion tends to highlight that seemingly insignificant deeds, performed with genuine intention, possess profound spiritual significance.
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