Yatras in the Medieval Indian Temples: A Visual Story of Rukunayatra in Odisha

Abstract

Yatras are ritualistic processions of Gods and Goddesses and are connected with their movement outward from the inner sanctum of their respective temples. In this scenario, the deity becomes accessible to nearby awaiting residents and pilgrims to have the privilege of the “sight” (darshan) of their God and Goddesses. These ceremonial processions were embedded in the local peoples’ social norms and values and have survived through time. This essay documents the traditional Rukunayatra of God Shiva, known by the name Lingaraja, the presiding deity of the Lingaraja temple in Odisha, India, through still photographs. God Lingaraja is also known as Tribhuvaneshwara, meaning 'the lord of the three worlds' as Hinduism believes. Bhubaneswar, the capital city of Odisha, derives its name as a mark of respect to this deity.