Puri: The construction of three chariots for annual Rath Yatra began on Saturday on the auspicious occasion of Akhi Tritiya amid tight security and in adherence to Covid-19 norms.
As per tradition Brahmins performed a yajna at the Rath construction yard. Thereafter servitors brought ajnamallyas of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra and debi Subhadra in a procession from the srimandir and were handed over to three Biswakarmas responsible for construction of three chariots.
The Biswakarmas were presented with head gears (sarees for turban) as mark of entrustment of responsibility.
Three Dhaura timber logs were consecrated and Biswakarmas with their gold and silver axe began work. Later iron axes were used.
Sri Jagannath temple Chief Administrator Dr.Krishan Kumar told newsmen that like previous year this year also the annual Rath Yatra of the Trinity would be conducted without participation of devotees to maintain the age-old tradition.
Efforts were on to vaccinate all workers involved in the chariot construction. This apart they would be kept in isolation in an accommodation near the construction yard. Temple administration would take care of their food and other requirements.
Since they will work under adverse conditions remaining away from their family for months they would be paid double wages,Dr.Kumar said.
Appreciating the cooperation by residents and devotees during the previous year Dr.Kumar urged them to extend their full cooperation to the administration during these trying times to continue nitees and rituals of lord Jagannath.
Amid prohibitory orders in force the 21 day long Chandan Yatra also began on Saturday with adherence to covid-19 norms.The servitors tested corona negative were allowed to render their services.
The Madan Mohan, the representing idol of lord Jagannath along with Ramakrushna, Sridebi and Bhudebi boarded a nicely decorated palanquin “Maniviman” and began their journey to Narendra tank accompanied by Pancha Pandavas in their respective palanquins.
Biman Badus, a special set of servitors, carried the palanquins on their shoulders.
After arrival at the Narendra tank, servitors escorted them to Chandan Chakada. The deities were placed on board the swan shaped boats popularly called Nanda and Bhadra for Chapakhela.
After the boating the deities were accorded sandalwood paste and aromatic water bath in the Chandan kunda (bath tub) located in Chandan chakada.
Deities were offered Mandya bhog (a special delicacy) and were dressed in flowers. In the late evening they returned to the temple.
Ten platoons of police were deployed along the 1.5 km route from Simhadwar to Narendra tank to prevent devotees while section 144 crpc was clamped around the Narendra tank and near the Simhadwar to prevent gathering of devotees.