Maha Shivratri 2023: Mahadeepa to be raised atop Lingaraj temple at 10 pm
Maha Shivratri 2023: Mahadeepa to be raised atop Lingaraj temple at 10 pm
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Bhubaneswar: The 'Mahadeepa' of Lord Lingaraj will be lifted atop the Dadhinauti (crown) of the 11th-century shrine in Odisha capital at 10 p.m. on Saturday (February 18), bringing the day-long fasting of devotees to an end.
A decision was made in this regard at a preparatory meeting on Tuesday.
The temple administration has made elaborate preparations to ensure that the rituals run smoothly on the day.
With such a large crowd expected, the Commissionerate Police is also working to ensure smooth traffic flow and a hassle-free darshan for devotees.
"The preparatory meeting, ahead of Jagara Yatra of Lord Lingaraj, was attended by the members of nijogs, locals MLA and political leaders and concerned officials. "Aside from ensuring the smooth execution of Lord Lingaraj's rituals, traffic management and the provision of water for devotees, parking and toilet facilities were also discussed," Twin City Commissioner of Police Saumendra Priyadarshi said.
On Maha Shivratri, the Mahadeepa will be raised atop the Dhabaleswar temple in Athagarh between 1.30 a.m. and 2 a.m.
On Maha Shivratri, which falls on February 18, the shrine will be open to devotees at 3 a.m. According to sources, fifteen platoons of police officers, including seven DSPs and one additional SP, will be stationed at the shrine to manage crowds and prevent any untoward incidents.
