Rukuna Rath Jatra --- Lord Shiva’s chariot journey
The Lingaraja Temple being the main temple of the city has several festivals associated with it. One of the major festivals associated with Lord Lingaraja, is the chariot festival popularly known as Rukuna Rath Jatra. The Annual festival is held on the day of Ashokastami (the 8th day) of the month of Chaitra (March/April), the day prior to Ram Navami.
On the day of Ashokastami, Lord Chandrasekhar (representative of Lord Lingaraja), Rukmini and Basudeva are taken in a chariot accompanied by ceremonial procession and ardent devotees to Mausi Maa (literally meaning Maternal Aunt) Temple aka Rameswara Temple. The deities stay at the Mausi Maa temple for four days and then take their journey back with Bahuda Yatra on the 5th day.
The festival is also called Analeuta Rath Jatra as the chariot never takes a U turn in its entire journey.
Thousands of devotees flood the Old Town streets to witness the Rukuna Rath Jatra of Lord Lingaraj every year.
