Puri, May 10: Today, within the sacred premises of the Jagannath Temple, the administration is set to observe the auspicious Akshaya Tritiya and Chandan Yatra. These festivities mark the commencement of the construction of chariots for the revered Rath Yatra.
Commencing in the early hours of the morning, the first rituals unfolded with the opening of the door known as Dwarafita niti. Subsequent to this, a series of rituals, or niti, will be conducted by the sevayats of the Jagannath Temple, culminating in the Agyan Mala Bije rituals for the three chariots.
The deities will be ceremoniously escorted by a group of temple servitors on adorned 'Bimanas', with the Lord Himself riding a specially adorned one called 'Manibimana.' Upon the return of the deities to the temple, further rituals will ensue.
Akshaya Tritiya, also recognized as Akha Teej, holds immense significance for Hindu communities. Falling during the Shukla Paksha Tritiya in the month of Vaishakha, Akshaya Tritiya, especially when it aligns with a Rohini Nakshatra day on Wednesday, is considered exceptionally auspicious. The term 'Akshaya' translates to 'never diminishing,' symbolizing that the merits of any devotional acts conducted on this day endure eternally.
Believed to bestow good fortune and success, Akshaya Tritiya sees many individuals investing in gold, as it is thought that purchasing gold on this day augurs prosperity and enduring wealth. Ruled by Lord Vishnu, the preserver in the Hindu Trinity, Akshaya Tritiya is also associated with the commencement of the Treta Yuga, according to Hindu mythology.
Traditionally, Akshaya Tritiya coincides with Parashurama Jayanti, the birth anniversary of the sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu. However, depending on the commencement time of Tritiya Tithi, Parashurama Jayanti may precede Akshaya Tritiya by a day.
