Bhubaneswar, Ap 5: On the eve of famous Rukuna Rath Yatra of Lord Lingaraj, pitchers of water from Holy Marichi Kunda, a water tank on the premises of Mukteswar temple was auctioned to childless couple late last night.
As per the belief, bathing in the Holy water and drinking it on the eve of Ashokasthami of Lord Lingraj helps barren women conceive.
The highest bidder for the first pitcher of water was Jitendra Maharana and Jyotsna Maharana of Damodarpur in Cuttack. It was auctioned for Rs 21,000. The opening bid for the first pot of water started at 20,100 rupees. After competitive bidding, the Maharana couple of Cuttack, secured the water with a final bid of 21,000 rupees.
According to mythology Lord Shiva had killed demon Maricha at that place and the demon’s wife Marichi had asked the Lord how she could be a mother without her husband. Pleased over her prayer, the Lord granted her a boon. She bathed in the water of the tank and was blessed with motherhood. Ever since, the tank is known as Marichi Kunda.
