Bhubaneswar, April 17, 2024: Despite the relentless onslaught of a scorching heatwave, the ancient city of Bhubaneswar bore witness to a stirring display of unwavering faith and spiritual fervor as thousands of devotees from far and wide congregated to partake in the annual spectacle of the ‘Rukuna Rath Yatra’ honoring the revered Lord Lingaraj yesterday.
In a testament to the enduring power of devotion, the city’s historic streets reverberated with chants of divine hymns and echoed with the rhythmic beats of ceremonial drums, drawing the attention of global onlookers to this sacred tradition deeply rooted in the cultural fabric of Odisha.
As temperatures soared to an astounding 41.9 degrees Celsius, the resilience of the devotees remained unshaken, underscoring the indomitable spirit that defines this centuries-old ritual. Against the backdrop of sweltering heat, administrative authorities took proactive measures to ensure the well-being of the pilgrims, distributing refreshing drinking water to alleviate the effects of the harsh weather conditions.
A formidable contingent of law enforcement officers, comprising 12 platoons and numerous officers, stood as stalwart guardians, reinforcing the solemnity of the occasion and upholding the sanctity of the procession.
The ceremonial commencement of the ‘Rukuna Rath Yatra’, known as ‘Pahandi’, unfolded with majestic grandeur as the ornate bronze idols of ‘Chandrasekhar’, Devi Rukuna, and Ananta Basudev were reverently carried in a solemn procession from the sanctum sanctorum of the Lord Lingaraj temple to the awaiting chariot. Amidst the palpable aura of spirituality, devotees from all walks of life joined in the collective invocation of blessings, their hearts united in reverence for the divine.
The day’s proceedings commenced with the break of dawn, as the sacred rituals of ‘Mangala Alati’ stirred the sanctity of the 11th-century shrine at 5 am, ushering in a sense of divine grace and tranquility. This was followed by the serene moments of ‘Abakasha’ and the joyous congregation of ‘Sahanamela’, further deepening the spiritual communion among the faithful.
However, despite meticulous planning and preparation, the scheduled commencement of the chariot pulling at 3.30 pm faced unforeseen delays attributed to the prevailing heatwave conditions. Nevertheless, the steadfast resolve of the devotees remained unyielding as they awaited the historic moment when the divine chariot would embark on its sacred journey.
Amidst the relentless blaze of the midday sun, the grand procession traversed a distance of 2 kilometers along the hallowed Ratha Road, forging a path of spiritual enlightenment and divine grace. The journey culminated in a sacred halt at the revered ‘Mausima’ abode of the Rameswar temple, where the blessings of Lord Lingaraj continued to bestow solace and hope upon the devoted pilgrims.
In a world captivated by the allure of modernity, the ‘Rukuna Rath Yatra’ of Lord Lingaraj serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring power of tradition and spirituality. As the global spotlight shines upon Bhubaneswar’s ancient streets, the timeless rituals of devotion and unity stand as a beacon of light amidst the darkness, inspiring generations to embrace the divine with unwavering faith and reverence.