Aksaya Tritya, which occurs on the third waxing moon day in Vaisakh, commences the divine festival known as Candana Yatra, which lasts for 21 days. The significance of Aksaya Tritiya makes acts of worship, charity, and religious services on this day generate blessings that last forever. The traditional activities of the Candana Yatra enable ISKCON devotees to worship Lord Krishna with eternal rites, which help them fulfil their duties to the divine.
Aksaya Tritya and Candana Yatra: A Sacred Connection
The Candana Yatra commencement is deeply rooted in divine instruction. According to scripture, Lord Jagannatha Himself directed King Indradyumna to initiate this festival, emphasising the application of cooling sandalwood paste to His deity during the sweltering Vaisakha month. The spiritual meaning of Aksaya Tritya lies in its association with imperishable virtue—devotional acts performed on this day are said to bear infinite fruits.
This sacred connection extends to Aksaya Tritya and Lord Vishnu, as the day is traditionally linked to His worship. The ritual of applying sandalwood to deities like Lord Jagannatha during the Chandan Yatra rituals symbolises both physical relief from summer heat and the cooling of material desires through devotion.
The Significance of Candana Yatra and Its Commencement on Aksaya Tritya
Candana Yatra, or the Sandalwood Festival, spans 21 days, during which deities are adorned with fragrant sandalwood paste. The Lord Jagannath Chandan Yatra traces its origins to the Mahabharata era. When King Virata hosted Lord Krishna and the Pandavas, he organised a boat festival and smeared Krishna’s form with sandalwood to alleviate the summer heat—a tradition mirrored today in ISKCON’s celebrations.
The festival also commemorates the devotion of Madhavendra Puri. Following Lord Gopala’s divine instruction, he sourced sandalwood from Jagannath Puri to soothe his deity, thereby establishing the traditional Aksaya Tritiya rituals. This act of love institutionalised the practice of offering sandalwood to the Lord, a ritual now central to Candana Yatra.
Rituals and Celebrations of Candana Yatra Starting on Aksaya Tritya
The Chandan Yatra rituals are a harmonious blend of grandeur and devotion. Utsava murtis (processional deities) are taken in elaborate processions to temple ponds, where they are placed on decorated boats. Devotees sing bhajans and reenact Lord Chaitanya’s joyous water sports, infusing the air with spiritual fervour.
Key practices include:
- Devotees observe fasting and perform rituals using barley, a staple in homa (fire sacrifices), echoing Vedic traditions.
- Bathing in a sacred river symbolises inner purification.
- Smearing deities entirely with sandalwood paste, leaving only their eyes visible—a sight of profound reverence.
At the ISKCON temple in Delhi, festivities begin with Mangala Aarti, followed by the ceremonial application of sandalwood paste to the deities of Radha and Krishna. The ISKCON temple timings have been extended to accommodate devotees, allowing for ample time for darshan and participation.
Spiritual Benefits of Observing Aksaya Tritya and Participating in Candana Yatra
The spiritual meaning of Aksaya Tritya transcends material gains. Engaging in Candana Yatra purifies the heart, eradicates past karma, and deepens one’s bond with the divine. The cooling sandalwood symbolises the devotee’s duty to soothe the Lord’s “heat,” metaphorically representing the alleviation of worldly suffering through selfless service.
The connection between Aksaya Tritya and Lord Vishnu ensures that sincere participation attracts divine grace, aligning devotees with eternal spiritual truths. Madhavendra Puri’s story exemplifies how unwavering devotion transforms simple acts, like applying chanda, into profound spiritual milestones.
Benefits of Donation on Aksaya Tritya
Aksaya Tritya is synonymous with akshaya (imperishable) merit. Contributions made on this day, such as food donations through ISKCON’s Food for Life program, carry multiplied blessings. Supporting temple projects, such as maintaining the ISKCON temple or helping an orphanage near me, fosters lasting spiritual growth.
ISKCON’s online donation platform in India allows devotees to easily contribute to initiatives such as Vedic education and cow protection. As scriptural texts affirm, offerings made with devotion reach the Supreme directly, making this day ideal for acts of compassion.
How ISKCON and Its Devotees Celebrate the Commencement of Candana Yatra
At the ISKCON temple in Delhi, the festival begins with the deities being adorned in sandalwood paste, followed by vibrant processions and kirtans. The ISKCON temple timings are adjusted to accommodate the increased footfall of pilgrims, and cultural programs recount the pastimes of Madhavendra Puri and Lord Gopala.
Globally, ISKCON temples replicate these traditions. Devotees engage in Aksaya Tritya traditional rituals, such as fasting and homa, while supporting charitable causes like food donation drives. The Lord Jagannath Chandan Yatra is also celebrated in ISKCON Vrindavan, where deities remain covered in chandan for 21 days, offering a unique darshan experience.
Aksaya Tritya: A Timeless Invitation to Divine Grace and Service
Aksaya Tritya and Candana Yatra are celestial milestones that invite devotees to immerse themselves in devotion and service. For ISKCON, this period underscores its mission to propagate Krishna consciousness through worship, charity, and cultural preservation. Devotees can secure eternal spiritual wealth by participating in the Lord Jagannath Chandan Yatra, contributing online donations to India, or visiting the ISKCON temple.
As sandalwood cools the deities, may our hearts, too, be cooled by devotion’s balm. Let this Aksaya Tritya inspire acts of piety, charity, and love, resonating through eternity.
Visit ISKCON Dwarka to witness the divine festivities. Check ISKCON temple timings and join initiatives like Food for Life to serve humanity with compassion.
