Rukmini Haran Ekadashi is one of the significant annual festivals celebrated at the Puri Jagannath Temple. It is observed on the Shukla Paksha Ekadashi of the Jyeshtha Maas, coinciding with Nirjala Ekadashi. This festival commemorates the divine abduction and subsequent marriage of Rukmini and Krishna.
जय जय जगन्नाथ सुर्यवंश समुद्भव,
रुक्मिणीपति देवेश शेषछत्र सुशोभितः ।
आंजनेय प्रियः शान्तः रामरूपी सुवन्दितः,
कुर्वन्तु मंगलं क्षेत्रे भक्तानां प्रियवादिनां ॥
Key Rituals of Rukmini Haran Ekadashi
❀ Royal Attire of Madan Mohan: Shri Madan Mohan, the representative deity of Bhagwan Jagannath, is beautifully adorned in the royal warrior attire of Bhagwan Krishna.
❀ Preparation of Rukmini: Goddess Lakshmi, representing Rukmini, is bathed in BhagwanPanchamritBhagwan, adorned with jewelry, and dressed like a bride.
❀ The Love Letter Ritual: Recalling the scriptural event, a symbolic letter from Rukmini to Krishna is written and offered to Him.
❀ Rukmini Haran (Abduction): A dramatic presentation depicts how Bhagwan Krishna takes Rukmini away before her scheduled marriage to Shishupal.
❀ Victory over Shishupal: The symbolic defeat of Shishupal is enacted, signifying the triumph of divine love and BhagwanDharmaBhagwan (righteousness).
❀ Divine Wedding (Rukmini Vivah): The wedding of Shri Madan Mohan (Krishna) and Devi Lakshmi (Rukmini) is solemnized inside the temple in accordance with traditional Vedic marriage rituals.
❀ Special Bhog and Aarti: Various offerings (Bhog), devotional songs (Bhajans), and Mangala Aarti are performed, and devotees receive Mahaprasad after the ceremony.
| Related Name | Nirjala Ekadashi |
| Reason | Rukmini and Bhagwan Krishna got married. |
| Celebrations | Auspicious songs, Worship, Wedding Ceremonies |
Updated: Jun 26, 2026 23:36 PM