Puri: Rukmini vivah rituals delayed, unprecedented rush of devotees at Srimandir

Rituals for the divine marriage of Lord Madanmohan and Goddess Rukmini was delayed and was held late Saturday night at Srimandir leading to an unprecedented rush of devotees at Singhadwara and Paschimadwara on Sunday morning.

As per reports, the door-opening of Srimandir got delayed on Sunday due to the delay in rituals. Subsequently the number of devotees waiting for the darshan of Trinity at Singha Dwara and Paschima Dwara swelled in front of the Srimandir doors leading to a huge rush.

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. The festival celebrates the marriage ceremony of Lord Jagannath who is the incarnation of Lord Krishna with Goddess Rukmani who is said to be the incarnation of Goddess Lakshmi. 

Mythology has it that Rukmini, princess of Vidharba, wanted to marry Krishna, but her brother Rukmi, a friend of Kansa, whom Krishna had killed, was against it. On Rukmani Harana Ekadasi, elopement of the two lovers is enacted on the temple premises.

On this day, Lord Jagannath gets adorned with Baula Pata and sends his dynamic representative (Chalanti Pratima), Madanmohan, to kidnap Rukmini. Madanmohan abducts Rukmini and whisks her away from Maa Bimala temple while she offers her prayers. Shishupala, who is supposed to get married to Rukmini, chases the duo. As a result, a war between Lord Jagannath and Shishupala ensues and the former conquers at the end. Then the whole servitors start preparation for the grand wedding of Lord Jagannath and Goddess Rukmani which continues for four days.

Notably, Snana Yatra of Lord Jagannath will be observed on June 14 for which elaborate arrangement has been made by the police and Srimandir Temple Administration.