CHANDAN LAGI (BADA SRINGARA BESHA)

"Chandana Lagi" means Applying sandalwood paste to Lord Jagannath and siblings during the Badasringara Besa, symbolizing purity, cooling, and divine fragrance. Done usually everyday in the evening after the day’s rituals.

Chandana Lagi in Badasinghara Besa

1. Badasinghara Besa
   • This is the royal dressing of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra.
   • Done usually everyday in the evening after the day’s rituals.
   • The deities are adorned with silks, jewels, and ornaments, resembling a king and queen.
2. Chandana Lagi (Sandalwood Paste Application)
   • “Chandana” = Sandalwood paste, which is cooling, fragrant, and sacred.
   • Lagi means applied or smeared.
   • During Badasinghara Besa, a special mixture of sandalwood paste is applied to the deities’ bodies and faces.
   • This is both symbolic and ritualistic:
     • Symbolizes purity, peace, and divine fragrance
     • Helps cool the deity after the day’s rituals and abhishekam
3. Occasion / Timing
   • Usually applied daily in the evening as part of Badasinghara Besa.
   • During special festivals, the Chandana Lagi may be enhanced with flowers or saffron for extra sanctity.
4. Spiritual Significance
   • The cooling effect represents calmness and serenity of the Lord.
   • Devotees believe that the fragrance spreads blessings and divine energy.