Puri: The ‘Rukmini Harana’, the marriage ceremony of Lord Jagannath, an incarnation of Lord Krishna, with Devi Rukmini, an incarnation of Goddess Lakshmi, will be celebrated at the Sree Jagannath Temple in Puri on Wednesday. On this occasion, the darshan of Lord Jagannath and his sibling deities Devi Subhadra and Lord Balabhadra will be restricted for devotees for four hours from 1.00 pm to 5.00 pm today.
The ritual of Rukmani Harana Ekadasi is observed on the occasion of Jyestha Sukla Ekadasi which falls on the 11th day of the bright fortnight of Jyestha month. In addition to the divine marriage ceremony, the “Jalakrida ritual” of the “Bhitara Chandan Jatra” is also held on this day.
According to mythology, Rukmini, a princess of Vidharba, wanted to marry Krishna, but her brother Rukmi, a friend of King Kansa who was killed by Lord Krishna, opposed the marriage. On the occasion of Rukmani Harana Ekadasi, the elopement of the two divine lovers is enacted on the temple premises.
On this occasion, Lord Jagannath is adorned with Baula Pata and sends his representative, Madanmohan, to kidnap Rukmini. Madanmohan abducts Rukmini and takes her on a surprise journey from Maa Bimala temple while she is offering her prayers. Shishupala, who is supposed to get married to Rukmini, chases the duo. Consequently, a war ensues between Lord Jagannath and Shishupala and the Lord is victorious at the end. Once the war is over, servitors start preparations for the divine wedding of Lord Jagannath and Goddess Rukmani.
Rukmani Vivah continues for four days and Pati Mohapatra, Bittarachhu Mohapatra, and Puja Panda servitors play a crucial role in the marriage. While Pati Mohapatra performs the rituals from Lord Jagannath’s side, servitor Bittarachhu Mohapatra performs the marriage rituals from Devi Rukmani’s side. The Pujapanda servitors perform the marriage rituals.
On the other hand, Mahajana servitors make the arrangement by adorning Lord Jagannath and Devi Rukmani and bringing the materials required for the marriage. The marriage is held in the presence of servitor Mudirasta, representative of Gajapati Maharaja on the first day.
After the marriage, Gajapati Maharaja invites the newly-wed couple Madanamohan and Rukmani on the second day. The idols of the newly-married couple are taken to Gajapati’s house in a procession ‘Guali’ and held on Champaka Dwadasi.
