Puri: Jagannath temple will remain closed for devotees today from 2 pm to 5 pm for the elopement ritual of Lord Krishna with Devi Rukmini, popularly known as ‘Rukmani Harana Ekadasi’.
“Rukmini, the princess of Vidharba, wanted to marry Krishna, but her brother Rukmi, a friend of Kansa, was against it. On Rukmani Harana Ekadasi, elopement of the two lovers is enacted on the temple premises, said servitor Ganesh Mahasuara.
He further said, “Rukmini Vivaha is observed during the Shukla Paksha of Jyeshta month. On this day, Sri Jagannath gets adorned with Baula Pata and sends his representative Madanmohan to kidnap Rukmini. Madanmohan abducts Rukmini and whisks her away from Bimala temple while she is offering her prayer. Shishupala, who is supposed to get married, chases the duo. As a result, a war between Sri Jagannath and Shishupala ensues and the former conquers at last. Servitors will perform rituals on behalf of Lord Jagannath and solemnise Rukmani’s marriage with Lord Jagannath preparations start for the grand wedding.”
Servitors do all the arrangements starting from adorning Lord Jagannath and Rukmani to bringing all materials required for the marriage.
