Bhubaneswar witnessed a deeply spiritual and culturally significant event ahead of the Rukuna Rath Yatra of Lord Lingaraj as the first pitcher of holy water from Marichi Kunda was auctioned for Rs 21,000.
This age-old tradition took place at Mukteswar Temple late on Friday, with Jitendra Maharana and Jyotsna Maharana from Cuttack’s Damodarpur placing the highest bid.
Every year on Ashokashtami eve, this sacred water is auctioned to childless couples who believe in its divine blessings of fertility. According to legend, Lord Shiva bestowed this boon after being moved by Marichi, the grieving wife of the demon he had vanquished. The Marichi Kunda’s waters, imbued with this mythology, continue to be revered as a beacon of hope for couples seeking parenthood.
The event drew families and devotees from across the region, highlighting the enduring power of faith and ancient customs. The auction not only symbolizes religious devotion but also serves as a reminder of the cultural richness deeply embedded in the region’s traditions.
