Puri Jagannath Temple Closed for 5 Hours for Rukmini Haran Rituals Today

Puri, June 25: The revered Rukmini Haran Ekadashi rituals are set to be conducted at the Jagannath Temple in Puri on Thursday with traditional religious observances. Owing to the special ceremonies, devotees will not be allowed for darshan between approximately 1 PM and 6 PM after the completion of the first Bhogamandap offering.

According to temple authorities, the annual celebration recreating the divine union of Lord Jagannath and Goddess Rukmini will be performed following long-standing temple traditions. On the previous day, the Deities appeared in the distinctive Rajendrabhishek Besha, attracting a large gathering of devotees.

As part of Thursday’s schedule, Madan Mohan will be ceremonially adorned at the Dakshini Ghara and later escorted to the Ratna Singhasan. After receiving the sacred Agnya Mala from the presiding Deities, Madan Mohan will proceed towards the Jay-Vijay Gate, marking the commencement of the Rukmini Haran festivities.

During the ceremony, Lord Jagannath’s Agnya Mala will be presented to Goddess Rukmini. Temple servitors will then carry the goddess in a decorated palanquin to the Mahalakshmi Temple for further rituals. Following the ceremonial Mahasnan and the offering of fresh attire, the divine wedding rites will be solemnized after the evening Dhupa rituals.

Meanwhile, Puri is also gearing up for Snana Purnima, which is only a few days away. District officials, police personnel and temple administration have intensified preparations to manage the expected influx of pilgrims. Barricades are being erected from Market Chhak to the Jagannath Temple to facilitate orderly movement, as lakhs of devotees are anticipated to participate in the grand festival.