Bhubaneswar: The Lingaraj temple administration fixed the timing of Mahadeep as well as other rituals for the auspicious Maha Shivaratri scheduled on March 4.

As per the decision by the temple servitors at a meeting held on Tuesday for the celebration of Maha Shivaratri at the centuries-old Shiva shrine in Old Bhubaneswar, the ‘Mahadeep’ will be raised atop the temple at 10.00 pm.

The meeting was convened to discuss for smooth conduct of the special rituals of Lord Shiva on Maha Shivaratri that falls on March 4 this year.

As per information received from the Lingaraj temple office, the temple will be opened after 2.30 am on March 3 night. The 'Mangal Arati' and Abakash will be conducted at 3.00 am. The 'shahanmela' darshan will continue till 10.30 am since morning on Maha Shivaratri. The shrine will remain open for the devotees for darshan from 3.45 pm to 4.45 pm and from 10.00 pm to 11.00 pm after Mahadeep.

As the rituals were delayed last year, the temple administration stressed for conducting the rituals timely on an auspicious day.

However, the final decision will be taken at a meeting chaired by the district collector, the temple administration said.