Rukuna Rath Jatra
This year,Rukuna Rath Jatra will be Celebrated on Thursday, Apr 26, 2026
Lord Lingaraja Ratha Jatra known as Rukuna Rath Jatra.
The Rukuna Rath Yatra will begin tomorrow, coinciding with Ashokashtami, a significant day in the temple calendar. The timings for the event have been meticulously planned to ensure smooth execution. The temple will open early in the morning, from 4:00 am to 4:30 am, for the Mangala Aarti. The Pahandi (procession of deities) will take place between 10:45 am and 11:45 am.
From 11:45 am to 1:45 pm, prayers and rituals will be held on the Rath (chariot). Following that, the Ghoda Bandha and Rath Charamala (final preparations for the chariot) will take place from 1:45 pm to 2:30 pm. The actual Rath movement will begin at 2:30 pm and continue throughout the day.
It is believed that Lord Brahma is the charioteer of Lingaraj (Shiva) on Rukuna Ratha Jatra day.
The chariot carries bronze murtis of Chandrashekhar, Maa Gopaluni and Dola Gobinda. Lord Lingaraja Ratha Jatra known as Rukuna Rath Jatra.
It is believed that Lord Brahma is the charioteer of Lingaraj (Shiva) on Rukuna Rath Yatra day.
The chariot carries bronze murtis of Chandrashekhar, Rukmini and Basudev. he Rukuna Rath Yatra of Lord Lingaraj is celebrated in Odisha on the day of Ashokastami that takes place in the month of Chaitra.
This festival lasts for five-seven days. This festival is believed to be ‘Papa Binashakari Yatra’ which means festival that destroys all evil and sins.
Rukuna Rath is also called ‘Analeuta’ chariot as the chariot does not take any turn during the return journey.
The direction of altars of the gods gets changed and the chariot is pulled from opposite side.