Marichi Kunda Holy Water Auctioned for Rs 21,000 Ahead of Rukuna Ratha Jatra

Bhubaneswar: On the eve of the Rukuna Ratha Jatra of Lord Lingaraj, the first pitcher of holy water from the sacred Marichi Kunda at the Mukteswar Temple was auctioned for Rs 21,000 on Saturday.

The pitcher was acquired by the highest bidders, Jitendra Moharana and Jyotshnarani Moharana of Damodarpur in Cuttack district, as confirmed by officials supervising the auction. Additional pitchers of the water will be auctioned throughout the day at reduced prices.

The annual auction, held after the ‘Ratha Pratistha’ (chariot consecration) ritual, is a deeply rooted tradition associated with the belief that the Marichi Kunda water possesses divine power to cure infertility. It is especially sought after by childless couples, who bathe with and consume the water on the occasion of Ashokastami in hopes of conceiving.

According to legend, the water tank derives its sanctity from a tale in Hindu scriptures, where Lord Shiva slew the demon Maricha at the very site. Moved by the grief of Maricha’s widow, who wished to become a mother, Lord Shiva granted her a boon. After bathing in the water, she conceived, and the tank came to be known as Marichi Kunda.

The sacred event continues to draw believers from across the state, blending faith, tradition, and hope in the spiritual heart of Bhubaneswar.