Bhubaneswar, 16 April 2024:
On the eve of the revered Rukuna Ratha Jatra of Lord Lingaraj, a mystical ceremony unfolded at the Mukteswar temple in Bhubaneswar, Orissa, as pitchers containing sacred water from the Holy Marichi Kunda were auctioned off to eager bidders, with hopes and dreams intertwined with ancient beliefs, late last night.
This annual event, steeped in tradition and mythology, holds significance for childless couples who fervently seek the blessings of the divine to fulfill their desire for parenthood. The belief, deeply rooted in the local folklore, holds that the holy water from the Marichi Kunda possesses the power to bestow the gift of conception upon barren women, if bathed in and consumed on the auspicious eve of Ashokashtami.
In a display of unwavering faith and determination, bidders vied for the precious pitchers of water, each holding the promise of a miracle. Sonali priyadarshini( Left Image) of Jagatsinghpur emerged as the highest bidder for the first pitcher, securing it with a bid of Rs 24,500. She was followed by Sulochana Shubudhi (Middle Image) from Brahmapur, who acquired the second pitcher for Rs15,100, and Rojalin Behera (Right Image) again from Bhubaneswar, who obtained the third pitcher with a bid of Rs10,100.
This year’s auction, while marked by fervor and anticipation, saw a contrast from the extravagant bids of the past, as the first pitcher fetched a more modest sum compared to the previous staggering amount of as much as Rs 1.50 lakh in some years. Nonetheless, the essence of the ritual remained unchanged, with devotees seeking solace and hope in the ancient tale of Lord Shiva’s benevolence towards Marichi, the demon’s wife who yearned for motherhood.
According to mythology, the Marichi Kunda derives its name from the legendary encounter between Lord Shiva and the demon Maricha, whose wife, Marichi, sought divine intervention to conceive in the absence of her husband. Moved by her prayers, Lord Shiva bestowed upon her a boon, granting her the gift of motherhood after she bathed in the sacred waters of the tank.
As the echoes of the auction fade into the night, the significance of this ritual continues to resonate deeply within the hearts of those who seek solace and blessings in their journey towards parenthood. Amidst the ancient temples and sacred traditions, the quest for fertility finds expression in the timeless rituals that bridge the gap between the divine and the mortal realm.