Public darshan at the revered Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri will remain temporarily suspended for five hours on Thursday to facilitate the observance of the sacred Rukmini Harana Ekadashi rituals, one of the important annual ceremonies in the temple calendar.
The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) has announced that general devotees will not be allowed entry into the temple premises from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM as the ceremonial wedding rituals of Lord Madanmohan and Goddess Rukmini are conducted.
Divine Wedding Ceremony at Srimandir
Rukmini Harana Ekadashi marks the symbolic marriage of Lord Madanmohan, the Chalanti Pratima (representative idol) of Lord Jagannath, with Goddess Rukmini. The ritual holds deep religious significance and attracts special attention from devotees and temple servitors every year.
The sacred ceremony is performed according to centuries-old traditions and involves several elaborate rituals conducted by designated servitors within the temple complex.
Darshan to Remain Closed from 1 PM to 6 PM
According to the temple administration, public entry and darshan of the deities will remain closed between 1:00 PM and 6:00 PM to ensure the smooth and uninterrupted conduct of the marriage rituals.
Temple officials stated that the restriction is necessary as several confidential and time-bound religious ceremonies are performed during this period. The temporary closure allows sevayats and temple priests to complete the rituals in accordance with established customs and traditions.
Devotees Advised to Plan Accordingly
The SJTA has advised devotees visiting Puri Srimandir on Thursday to plan their visit accordingly and avoid inconvenience during the restricted period.
Following the completion of the divine wedding ceremony and associated afternoon rituals, the temple gates will be reopened for devotees. Regular darshan is expected to resume after 6:00 PM under normal guidelines.
Significance of Rukmini Harana Ekadashi
Rukmini Harana Ekadashi is an important festival in the Jagannath culture and celebrates the legendary episode of Lord Krishna’s marriage to Goddess Rukmini. In Puri Srimandir, the occasion is observed through the ceremonial marriage of Lord Madanmohan and Goddess Rukmini, symbolising divine union and devotion.
The festival forms an integral part of the annual religious calendar of the Jagannath Temple and is observed with great spiritual fervour by devotees and temple servitors alike.
With thousands of devotees expected to visit the temple during the festival period, authorities have requested pilgrims to cooperate with the temporary restrictions and follow the directions issued by temple officials.
