Puri: Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri was closed for devotees for five hours from 1 pm on Friday for Rukmani Haran Ekadash ritual, which marks the celestial wedding of Shree Madan Mohan, the living representative of Lord Jagannath, and Devi Rukmini.
The ritual is observed on the eleventh day of the waxing moon in Jyestha, four days before Debasnana Purnima. The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration had issued a notice to inform devotees of the closure to help them plan their visits.
According to legends, Rukmini, in love with Krishna, seeks His help to escape her brother Rukmi’s plan to marry her to Sisupala. Lord Jagannath, adorned with Baula Pata, sends his representative, Madanmohan, to abduct Rukmini, the princess of Vidharba, while she is offering prayers at Maa Bimala temple. Sisupala chases the duo and a war ensues with the Lord emerging victorious. Once the war gets over, the servitors start preparations for the divine wedding of Lord Jagannath and Goddess Rukmani on Vivaha Mandap inside the temple.
Apart from the divine marriage ceremony, ‘Jalakrida ritual’ of ‘Bhitara Chandan Jatra’ is also held on the day
