Bhubaneswar, June 6: Today marks the auspicious occasion of Jyeshtha Shukla Ekadashi, famously known as Rukmini Haran Ekadashi. On this sacred day, the divine wedding festival of Lord Jagannath is celebrated at the Shree Mandir.

As part of the tradition, Maa Lakshmi is adorned as Goddess Rukmini, while Shri Madan Mohan takes on the divine form of Lord Krishna. The grand wedding ceremony of the divine couple is conducted with sacred rituals.

For the sacred rituals, darshan will remain closed from 1 PM to 6 PM.

A Tale of Divine Love and Heroic Rescue
According to legend, Princess Rukmini, who was promised to Shishupal in marriage, secretly sent a letter to Lord Krishna, expressing her wish to be rescued and married to him. Responding to her plea, Krishna heroically abducted Rukmini before her unwanted wedding, defeating Shishupal in battle.

In accordance with this tradition, the temple ceremony reenacts the divine abduction. After worship at Bimala Mandir, Maa Lakshmi—representing Rukmini—is symbolically taken away by Lord Krishna's moving idol, Madan Mohan. Shishupal attempts to obstruct the abduction, leading to a dramatic battle, where he is ultimately defeated and captured.

The Grand Celebration

The temple servants ritualistically perform the divine wedding ceremony at night, commemorating the celestial union of Lord Krishna and Goddess Rukmini. In addition, during the ongoing Bhitara Chandan Yatra, the water sport ritual of Lord Jagannath is also observed.

Devotees from far and wide gather at the temple to witness and participate in this joyous occasion, offering prayers and seeking divine blessings.

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