Odisha: Here’s schedule for Maha Shivaratri at Lingaraj Temple

Bhubaneswar: As the Ekamra Kshetra is gearing up for most auspicious occasion Maha Shivaratri scheduled on February 21 this year, the Lingaraj Temple authorities convened a meeting yesterday to discuss the preparation for smooth conduct of rituals of Lord Shiva at the centuries old shrine.

As per the decision at a meeting chaired by newly formed interim Trust Board chairman and Khordha Collector Sitanshu Kumar Rout with servitors of Lord Lingaraj, the Mahadeep will be raised atop the Lingaraj Temple at 10.00 pm on Maha Shivaratri.

The temple administration has fixed timing for conducting the rituals on the Holy occasion.

Official sources said that the temple will be opened after 2.30 am. The Mangal Arati and Abakash rituals will be conducted at 3.00 am. The ‘shahanmela’ darshan will continue till 11.30 am since morning on Maha Shivaratri. The rituals of Lord Lingaraj will resume at 3.45 pm and will continue till 4.45 pm. The devotees will be allowed to have free darshan of the Lord again from 10.00 pm till 11.00 pm after Mahadeep.

Besides, the authorities have decided to fill the vacant place in front of the temple with sand and tiles will be laid on it ahead of annual festival of Lord Shiva. Also, the CCTV cameras will be installed around the temple for security reason.