Chandan Yatra 2025: Why is Sandalwood offered to Deities in Vrindavan? Know spiritual Significance & Rituals

Chandan Yatra 2025: Why is Sandalwood offered to Deities in Vrindavan? Know spiritual Significance & Rituals

Chandan Yatra 2025: The sacred festival of Chandan Yatra is one of Vrindavan’s most cherished summer celebrations. In 2025, this vibrant 21-day festival begins on Akshaya Tritiya and concludes on the Purnima (Full Moon Day) of the Hindu month Vaishakh. During this time, devotees lovingly apply sandalwood paste (Chandan) to the idols of deities in temples across Vrindavan, especially in the famous temples of ISKCON, Radha Damodar, and Radha Raman.

Why is Sandalwood Applied During Chandan Yatra?

The tradition of applying sandalwood paste in the summer months traces back to a divine pastime of Lord Krishna and the great saint Madhavendra Puri, an Acharya of the Gaudiya Sampradaya. According to the legend, Lord Krishna once appeared in a dream and instructed Madhavendra Puri to apply cooling Malaya Chandan paste on the Deity of Gopal to provide relief from the blazing summer heat.

Since then, smearing sandalwood on deities during peak summer has become an act of loving devotion. It’s not just about the ritual—it’s about caring for the Lord as one would care for a loved one. Sandalwood is known for its cooling and fragrant qualities, making it ideal for offering comfort during hot weather.

How are the Rituals Performed?

The preparations for Chandan Yatra begin a week before Akshaya Tritiya. Devotees come together to grind sandalwood sticks on stone slabs, creating fresh Chandan paste daily. Throughout the 21 days, this paste is applied to the idols, symbolizing both reverence and affection.

According to the Narada Purana, offering Tulsi leaves and Chandan to Lord Vishnu brings Him immense joy. The verse goes:

“Yatha Vishnoh Sadavishtam Naivedyat Shalisambhavam, Shukenoktam Purane ca tatha tulasi chandanam.”

This highlights that Chandan paste is as pleasing to Lord Vishnu as sacred food offerings.

Chandan Yatra 2025:  How It’s Celebrated in Vrindavan?

During Chandan Yatra, the temples of Vrindavan come alive with devotion and beauty:

• At ISKCON Vrindavan, Shri Shri Krishna-Balaram are adorned daily with sandalwood paste.
• At Radha Damodar temple, Damodar Ji is offered Chandan, while Radha Raman Ji receives a special outfit smeared with the fragrant paste.
• The Srinath Ji temple also takes part with elaborate sandalwood decorations.

Chandan Yatra 2025: Spiritual Significance

Chandan Yatra is more than a summer festival—it reflects the deep bond between devotee and deity. Applying sandalwood paste is an act of seva (service), embodying both physical and emotional devotion. It symbolizes the desire of devotees to offer relief and care to the divine during testing weather, just as one would lovingly tend to a family member.

This annual observance beautifully blends ritual, heritage, and heartfelt devotion, reminding us that even the smallest act, when done with love, becomes divine.