Puri, June 25: Special rituals marking Rukmini Haran Ekadashi will be observed at the Jagannath Temple in Puri on Thursday. In view of the ceremonial proceedings, public darshan at the shrine will remain suspended from approximately 1 PM to 6 PM following the completion of the first Bhogamandap offering.
The temple administration has scheduled the traditional Rukmini Haran and divine marriage rituals of Lord Jagannath and Goddess Rukmini as per established customs. Earlier on Wednesday, the deities were adorned with the special Rajendrabhishek Besha, drawing large numbers of devotees.
As part of the day's rituals, Madan Mohan will be dressed in a special attire at the Dakshini Ghara before being taken to the Ratna Singhasan. After receiving the sacred Agnya Mala from the deities, Madan Mohan will proceed to the Jay-Vijay Gate to initiate the ceremonial events.
During the rituals, the Agnya Mala from Lord Jagannath will be offered to Goddess Rukmini. Subsequently, servitors will carry the goddess in a palanquin to the Mahalakshmi Temple, where further ceremonial proceedings will be conducted. Following the Mahasnan ritual and adornment with new garments, the divine wedding ceremony will be performed after the evening dhupa rituals.
Meanwhile, preparations for the upcoming Snana Purnima, scheduled just four days away, have gathered momentum in the pilgrim town. Anticipating a massive influx of devotees, the district administration, police and temple authorities have nearly completed all arrangements.
To ensure smooth crowd management during the festival, barricades are being installed from Market Chhak to the Jagannath Temple. Lakhs of devotees are expected to visit Puri for the grand annual event.
