Akshaya Tritiya and Chandan Yatra in Vrindavan

Introduction

The holy town of Vrindavan will be full of visitors and devotees to celebrate the unique and incredible festival of Akshaya Tritiya. It offers an extraordinary opportunity to experience the spiritual and cultural amalgamation of Braj’s regional festivities. 

Akshaya Tritiya is observed on the third day of Shukla Paksha, in the month of Vaishakha, which falls in April–May. Akshaya Tritiya is believed to be the ideal time to start new endeavors, as it is considered propitious to bring success and prosperity. 

Akshaya Tritiya is celebrated across the country, but it holds a distinctive importance in Vrindavan as it marks the beginning of Chandan Yatra, which is celebrated for 21 days. Chandan Yatra finds its origin in the divine instructions given by Lord Krishna to the devoted Madhavendra Puri, an esteemed Acarya of the Gaudiya Sampradaya. Lord Krishna directed Madhavendra Puri to anoint the Deity of Gopal with sandalwood paste, also known as Malaya Chandan, to provide relief from scorching heat. 

The preparations for Chandan Yatra start a week before Akshaya Tritiya. Devotees come together and grind chandan (sandalwood) on traditional stone slabs, and it is collected in huge amounts. During this elaborative festival, the Deities of the Lord are anointed with Chandan paste.  Since India faces scorching heat in the month of Vaishakha, the Chandan paste has a cooling effect and protects the Lord from extreme heat. 

As per the verse mentioned in Sri Narada Purana, 

Yatha Vishnoh Sadavishtam Naivedyat Shalisambhavam.

Shukenoktam Purane ca tatha tulasi chandanam

In this verse, Sri Narada Muni states, that Tulasi and sandalwood paste brings pleasure to Sri Hari much like the naivedya offered to Him made of sali rice.

Celebration of Akshaya Tritiya in temples of Vrindavan

The 21 days of the Chandan Yatra festival is celebrated with great joy across different temples of Vrindavan. Only on the auspicious day of Akshaya Tritiya, devotees are blessed to see the Lotus feet of Banke Bihari Ji. This sacred event is an age-old tradition known as Charan Darshan. It is an incredible and pleasant sight for the devotees who seek great pleasure in the darshan and blessings of the Lord. After Charan Darshan, He is anointed with sandalwood paste for coolness, and sandalwood laddos (balls) are offered at His Lotus feet. 

On this holy day, Banke Bihari Ji comes out of the main temple to give the joy of darshan of His Lotus feet to everyone. In the evening, the devotees can enjoy sarvang darshan. Anyone who receives the darshan of His Lotus feet on the auspicious day of Akshaya Tritiya gets His special blessing and gets free from the troubles of material life.

During the delightful celebration of Chandan Yatra, all the temples in Vrindavan are adorned with flowers. Radha Shyamsundar Ji, Damodar Ji are anointed completely with Chandan paste, and the idol of Radha Raman Ji wears a beautiful poshak (dress) made up of Chandan. Srinath Ji’s temple is decorated with chandan, and Ladoo Gopal Ji's temple is decorated with chandan-stamped cotton dress. Flower bangles and Chandan perfumes are offered to the Deities, and scented (ittars) fountain water are presented for the Jal Yatra. Centuries-old traditional remedy, Khas Khas (Vetiver) bungalows are made for deities to protect them from harsh and extreme summers.

Historical events that happened on Akshay Tritiya

  • (1) Lord Parashurama appeared on this day
  • (2) River Ganges descended to Earth on this day
  • (3) This day marks the beginning of Treta-yuga
  • (4) Sudama visited Krishna at Dwaraka
  • (5) The Pandavas received Akshaya Patra from the Sun God
  • (6) Vyasadeva started composing Mahabharata on this day
  • (7) Adi Shankaracharya composed Kanakadhara Stotram on this day
  • (8) Kubera received his wealth and position as custodian of wealth, and
  • (9) Goddess Annapoorna Devi appeared on this day.

 

Celebration in Vrindavan Chandrodaya Mandir 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Festivals like Akshaya Tritiya and Chandan Yatra are like spiritual gateways to immerse yourself in the service of the Supreme Personality of Godhead and seek His blessings. We invite you to participate in the celebrations and festivities of Akshaya Tritiya and Chandan Yatra in Sridham Vrindavan and Vrindavan Chandrodaya Mandir. You can also offer your seva to the Lord on this auspicious day by taking part in services like Shringar seva, Gau seva, Sadhu seva, and Prasadam distribution.


Click on the link below to offer your seva to the Lord-

https://www.vcm.org.in/onlinedonations