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, Madanmohan, to kidnap Rukmini. Madanmohan abducts Rukmini and whisks her away from Maa Bimala temple while she is offering her prayer. Shishupala, who is supposed to get married, 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.
According to servitor Singhari Harekrushna Kar, Rukmani Vivah continues for four days. Pati Mohapatra, Bittarachhu Mohapatra and Puja Panda servitors play crucial role in the marriage. From Jagannath’s side, Pati Mohapatra performs the rituals while servitor Bittarachhu Mohapatra performs marriage rituals from Rukmani’s side. And Pujapanda servitors perform the marriage rituals. On the other hand, Mahajana servitors do all the arrangement starting from adorning Lord Jagannath and Rukmani to bringing all materials required for the marriage. The marriage is held in the presence of servitor Mudirasta, representative of Gajapati Maharaja on the first day."
“Following their marriage, Gajapati Maharaja invites the newly-wed couple Madanamohan and Rukmani on the second day. The idols of newly-married couple are taken to Gajapati’s house (Sri Nahara) in a procession. This ritual is called ‘Guali’ which is held on Champaka Dwadasi. Again the procession leads to Sri Jambeswar temple at Goudabada Sahi, Puri where they get welcomed by the five idols of the temple representing five Pandavas. Gotipua and Odissi dances are being performed in front of the newly-weds during the procession. After their visits to Sri Nahara and Jambeswar temple, the couple goes back to Srimandir and gives darshan to devotees from Vivah Mandap on the third day. On fourth day, chaturthi puja is held to mark end of their marriage”, he added.