Bhubaneswar: With the construction of chariot almost complete, the consecration rituals of ‘Rukuna Rath’ at Lingaraj Temple in Odisha capital will be conducted at midnight on Tuesday.
The ritual will begin with lifting of a pitcherful of water from Marichi Kunda as per the tradition, sources said.
“Construction of chariot wheels, axle and other ancillary works have been completed. Kalas, Dadhinauti, Olata Sua and Jhara will be ready today,” informed servitor Somnath Maharana.
After the consecration rituals, people, mostly issue less couples, participate in the auction of water from Marichi Kunda by Badu Niyaog. The first pot of the auctioned holy water goes to the highest bidder. The holy water is believed to have the power to cure infertility among women if bathed and drank on eve of the Ashokasthami festival of Lord Lingaraj.
According to mythology, Lord Shiva had killed a demon named Maricha at the spot and the demon’s wife Marichi had asked the Lord how she could be a mother without her husband. Pleased over her prayer, the Lord granted her a boon. She bathed in the water of the tank and was blessed with motherhood. Since then, the tank is known as Marichi Kunda.
To ensure smooth conduct of this ritual, the administration has set up makeshift tents and made lighting arrangements near the tank.
The day will also witness Netrotsav (festival for the eyes) ceremony when the deity will make his first appearance to his devotees on the eve of holy Ashokasthami and Rukuna Rath Yatra.
Meanwhile, the schedule for annual Rukuna Rath Yatra of Lord Lingaraj on March 29 has been finalised. The Mangala Alati will be performed at 5 am on the day of Ashokasthami. It will be followed by Abakasha Niti and other rituals.
Pahandi (procession of the deities from the temple to chariot) will be held between 12.30 pm and 1.30 pm. The Lord will be escorted in grand procession and board the chariot at 1.30 pm.
Thereafter, the single chariot of the Lord will be pulled at around 3.30 pm. After the chariot arrives at Rameshwar temple in the evening, other rituals will be performed. The Bahuda Yatra, return journey, will be held on April 2.
