City

Odisha: Consecration Of Rukuna Rath, Auction Of Marichi Kunda Water At Lingaraj Temple Tonight

By
OB Bureau

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.

 

OB Bureau

Recent Posts

Mumbai Airport Gets Bomb Threat, Caller Warns Of Man ‘Carrying Explosives’ To Azerbaijan

Mumbai: The Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai received a bomb threat on Wednesday…

November 14, 2024

Supreme Court Denies Anticipatory Bail To Odisha BJP MLA Jayanarayan Mishra In Woman Cop Assault Case

New Delhi/Bhubaneswar: In a jolt to veteran BJP leader and Odisha MLA Jayanarayan Mishra, the…

November 14, 2024

Delhi Court Orders AAP MLA Amanatullah Khan’s Release From Jail In Waqf Board Case

New Delhi: A Delhi court on Thursday ordered Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA Amanatullah Khan’s…

November 14, 2024

Is Tulsi Gabbard, First US Hindu Lawmaker Appointed As Intelligence Director In Trump 2.0 Of Indian Origin?

New Delhi: Former Democrat Tulsi Gabbard, picked by US President-elect Donald Trump as the Director…

November 14, 2024

Elderly Woman Mauled To Death By Stray Dog In Odisha Village

Balasore: In a shocking incident, an elderly woman was mauled to death by a stray…

November 14, 2024

Bhubaneswar Bali Jatra: Check Traffic Restrictions & Vehicle Parking Sites

Bhubaneswar: The annual Bali Jatra festival is set to be held at Bankual in Bhubaneswar…

November 14, 2024

Snap Polls In Sri Lanka Today; Results Likely On Friday

New Delhi: Sri Lanka is voting today in the second national election in as many…

November 14, 2024

Woman Dies After Being Attacked By Chain Snatchers 3 Days Ago In Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar: In a tragic incident, a woman who had sustained grievous head injuries after being…

November 14, 2024