Bhubaneswar: Two pots of Marichikunda (sacred well) water, used for sanctification of the chariot for Rukuna Rath Yatra of Lord Lingaraj, here on Saturday, were auctioned for more than Rs 1.5 lakh on Friday.
After completion of construction of the chariot at Mahakhala (workshop) near Lingaraj Temple, the priests performed the rituals for its sanctification on Friday. As part of the rituals, sacred water was brought from Marichikunda near Kedargouri and the purification of chariot was completed late night.
As per the tradition, three pots of Marichikunda water were auctioned following the completion of rituals. Biranchi Pradhan and Sunanda Pradhan of Bhubaneswar made the highest bidding of Rs 1.30 lakh for the first pot of water.
Similarly, Sushant Sahu and Lipina Sahu of Bahadalpur area in Bhubaneswar won the auction of the second pot with a bidding of Rs 47,000. Badu Nijog organised the auction, while Khetrabasi Brahmin Nijog performed the sanctification rituals of the chariot.
The construction works of the chariot was completed on the day with fixing of flag atop the chariot, symbolic gates and statues of Gods and Goddesses on four sides, and installation of Lord’s throne inside the Rath.
As per the schedule of the Rath Yatra, Pahandi Bije (procession) of the deities of Linagaraj Temple will be performed from 12.30 pm and the chariot pulled by the devotees from 3 pm. The final rituals would be completed at 7 pm after the chariot reaches the Mausima Temple.
