Rath yatra rituals: Logs get divine permission to get sculpted

Puri: Preparation for the annual Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath started with 'Ratha Anukula', that marks the beginning of chariot construction process, as per customary rituals on the auspicious occasion of Akshay Tritiya today.

The three 12 ft logs of 'dhaura katha' (specific logs) were brought to the 'ratha khala' near the Jagannath temple. The process commenced with the axe being given the divine touch after getting the 'Aagyan Mala' (permission garland) from the deities followed by special rituals conducted by the temple priests.

Another major event of Lord Jagannath- Chandan Yatra also kicked off today and will continue for 21 days.

During this summer festival of Lord Jagannath, the representative deity Madan Mohan, along with consorts Sridevi, Bhudevi the Panch Mahadevs (also known as Panch Pandavas), namely Lord Yameswar, Lord Kapal Mochan, Lord Lokanath, Lord Markandeya and Lord Nilakanth, take a trip on a chapa (a traditional boat) in the holy Narendra pond as part of Lord's water sport called chapa khela. The grand festival is hosted in two sessions, one during the day and the other at night.