As the scorching summer returns, it’s time to smear the Deities with the soothing effect of Chandan paste. Devotees are blissfully grinding sandalwood for the upcoming festival season in Mayapur, where myriad enchanting pastimes of the Lord unfold. For 21 days, the Altar of Sri Radha Madhava will showcase divine activities alongside the resplendent forms of the Lord adorned in Chandan paste.
Each year, the Mayapur Candana-yatra team meticulously crafts new attire for the small Radha Madhava, complemented with intricately designed jewelry made from beads, cloth, and flowers. They lovingly plan and create decorations, including chariots, trees, and clay figurines, adding to the grandeur of the festival. This dedicated team of devotees begins preparations months in advance, resulting in awe-inspiring displays when the curtains open for the divine darshan of Their Lordships.
During the Candana-yatra festival, Sri Sri Radha Madhava embark on an evening procession to Srila Prabhupada’s Puspa Samadhi, gliding around the adorned pond in a swan boat. Devotees offer prayers and various offerings as the boat circles the pond, accompanied by melodious bhajans sung in glorification of the Divine couple. The evening concludes with a breathtaking Sandhya Arati for the pleasure of Sri Sri Radha Madhava.
Akshaya Tritiya marks the auspicious beginning of these festivities. Celebrated on the bright fortnight in the month of Vaishakha, it signifies endlessness and is deemed ideal for commencing new ventures and charitable deeds. This day holds immense spiritual significance, with offerings to forefathers and charitable acts like distributing Bhagavad Gita and feeding the cows as recommended. Visit www.mayapur.com for sevas on this day.
108 Tulasi arcana will be performed to Sri Nrsimhadev with prayers on behalf of all sponsors, for their spiritual well-being.
Please visit our general donation page, and don’t forget to mention “Akshaya Tritiya” or “Chandan Yatra” in the info section of the donation page!
Source: https://www.mayapur.com/2024/the-dawn-of-new-beginning-akshaya-tritiya-chandan-yatra-2024/
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