April 16, today, is the celebrated Rukuna Rath Yatra of Lord Lingaraj in Bhubaneswar.
According to custom, the well-known Lord Lingaraj festival will begin on “Ashokastami” today and end on “Bahuda” on April 20.
Relevance of the Rukuna Rath Yatra
“Papa Binashakari Jatra” refers to the yearly sojourn of Lord Lingaraj, which is believed to be the journey that atones for all sins. It also represents its function in driving out sin and evil. According to a common Hindu belief, a devotee can atone for all of their sins by receiving the darshan of Lord Lingaraj’s chariot-ridden image.
Because it does not make any turns on the way back, the chariot, also known as the Rukuna Rath, is also referred to as “Analeuta.” Throughout its return trip, the chariot keeps to a straight path, signifying continuity. During chariot pulling, folk performers, Odissi dancers, and martial artists perform.
Getting ready for Rukuna Rath Yatra
Under the direction of Khordha Collector, a coordination committee meeting was previously convened to ensure the seamless execution of the Rukuna Rath Yatra. In the meeting, a thorough discussion was held about how to ensure that this year’s festival ran smoothly.
The government officials have been entrusted with multiple responsibilities to ensure the well-organized and disciplined conduct of the popular festival. Participants in the meeting included representatives from the commissionerate police, fire services, and the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC).
Auctioned off is Holy Marichi Kunda water
Pitchers holding water from Holy Marichi Kunda, a water tank on the grounds of Mukteswar temple, were auctioned off to childless couples late on Monday night, the eve of Rukuna Rath Yatra.
“If bathed and drank on the eve of Ashokashtami, the holy water helps barren women conceive, as per popular belief,” said Badu Nijoga servant Suryakumar Batu.
Manmohan Barik and his wife Sonali from the Krushnadaspur area in the Jagatsinghpur district placed the highest bid of Rs 24,000 for the first pitcher of water.
“I came here to participate in the Marichi Kunda water auction process on the advice of my mother-in-law. Sonali expressed her confidence that her wish would be granted with the blessings of Lord Lingaraj.
Rukuna Rath’s “Pratistha” rituals will be performed today using Marichi Kunda water in accordance with tradition. After the servants place Lord Lingaraj’s image atop the chariot, the devotees will later pull the chariot.
The final schedule for the annual Rukuna Rath Yatra has already been released by Lord Lingaraj’s trust board. Considering the massive influx of devotees, “Mangala Alati” was performed at 5 am today in accordance with the schedule. Then came the performance of Lord Lingaraj’s “Abakasha” and “Sahanamela” rituals.
At 12.30 pm, Lord Lingaraj’s “Pahandi” and “Ratharudha” rituals will begin. On Tuesday, the chariot pulling will start at 3:30 p.m.
