Rukmini Harana & Divine Marriage: An Ekadashi Celebration at Puri Srimandir

“Jay jay jagannath surjyabansha samubhabah
Rukminipati debesha seshachhatra sushobhitah
aanjaneya priyah shantah ramarupi subanditah
sarbantu mangalam khetre bhaktanam priyabadinam”

On the Ekadashi (eleventh day) of the bright fortnight of Jyeshtha, the Rukmini Harana (abduction of Rukmini) and marriage festival rituals are observed at the Srimandir. On this day, during the morning ‘dhupa’ puja, Shri Madanmohan is dressed in the Dakshini Ghara.

After the morning ‘dhupa’ ritual is completed, the Pujapanda (priest servitor) offers the ‘ajna mala’ (garland of permission) of Lord Jagannath to Shridevi (Lakshmi). Subsequently, the Mahajana servitors carry Shridevi and place her in a palanquin located at the seven steps. Following this, the Bimanabadu (carriers) take the palanquin to the vicinity of the Mahalakshmi Temple. In the Jagamohan (audience hall) of Mahalakshmi, Shridevi undergoes a Mahasnana (grand bathing) with Panchamrita (five nectars), followed by ‘majana’ (anointing), ‘banaka lagi’ (special makeup), and the adorning of jewelry. During this attire, the Tadhau Karana (temple accountant) remains present with palm leaves and a pen. The Bhitarachha Mahapatra (inner servitor) touches the palm leaf and pen to the sacred hand of Shridevi and gives them to the Tadhau Karana, who then writes the invitation letter. Afterwards, the Bhitarachha Mahapatra takes this invitation letter, and after imprinting the seal of Shridevi’s sacred hand with sandalwood paste on it, a Vipra Brahmin (a specific servitor) takes the letter along with the ghanta (bell), chhatra (umbrella), and kahali (trumpet) to the vicinity of the Jaya Vijaya door.

After the Bhogamandap (offering hall) rituals are completed, Shri Madanmohan, having received the ‘ajna mala’, proceeds to the vicinity of the Jaya Vijaya door. There, the Puranapanda (reciter of scriptures), Pujapanda, and Palia Khuntia (attendant servitor) engage in a dialogue. Following this, Shri Madanmohan is seated on a chariot kept below the seven steps and proceeds towards the vicinity of the Vimala Temple. At this time, Shridevi departs from the Jagamohan of the Mahalakshmi Temple and goes to the Vimala Temple. Here, the materials provided by the Parbayatra Jogania servitors are touched to the sacred body of Vimala, and after the puja is completed, as Shridevi is coming out of the Vimala Temple, Shri Madanmohan abducts her (Rukmini). This ritual is conducted by the Bhitarachha Mahapatra. Subsequently, Lord Madanmohan defeats Shishupala near the Saraswati Temple and ties him to the chariot. Thereafter, Balarama arrives in a ‘vimana’ (divine vehicle) from the Dakshini Ghara, releases Shishupala from his bonds, and returns to the Dakshini Ghara.

Following this, Shridevi and Shri Madanmohan partake in Panti Bhoga (community feast) and then proceed to the wedding pavilion, where the Chandan Lagi (application of sandalwood paste) ritual takes place.

Afterwards, ‘pani padi’ (water offering) and ‘dho pakhal’ (foot washing) rituals are performed below the Ratna Singhasana (jeweled throne), followed by the ‘jata bhoga’ (night offering). After the water sports (Jalakrida) conclude, the Madhyahna Dhupa (afternoon offering) and Sandhya Alati (evening lamp offering) are performed, followed by Mahasnana (grand bathing), the donning of new clothes (‘nualuga lagi’), and the completion of all ‘sarvanga’ (body) rituals. During the Sandhyadhupa puja, the marriage rituals commence in the wedding pavilion. After the completion of these marriage rituals performed by the Pujapanda servitors, other rituals are conducted in the Srimandir. In this manner, the Rukmini Harana and marriage festival are celebrated at the Srimandir.

“Jagannath is the King,
Mahalakshmi is the Queen,
Residing in Shrikshetra, they care for their subjects,
Winning the hearts of all,
Jagannath is the King,
Mahalakshmi is the Queen”…..

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