In view of the influx of devotees to the centuries-old Lingaraj Temple for the upcoming Mahashivratri that falls on Monday, the temple administration has made proper arrangements for smooth darshan of Lord Shiva from early morning to night.
As per the time table fixed by the temple administration, the devotees can have free darshan (Sahan Mela) thrice on the day. The free darshan begins early in the morning at 3.30 am till 10.30 am, then from 3.45 pm to 4.45 pm and finally from 10.00 pm to 11.00 pm.
After the first phase darshan, the Lord will be cleaned; will have Mahasnan (holy bath) and besha. The morning arti (sakala dhupa) ritual will be performed at 2 pm and prasad will be offered between 2.45 pm and 3.45 pm. The door in the sanctum sanctorum will remain closed for 10 minutes from 7 pm to 7.10 pm. The evening arti and tirtha jal anayan (water from holy pilgrimages) rituals will be held between 8.55 pm and 10 pm. The Mahadeep is scheduled to be placed atop the shrine at 10 pm.
The timing for chari pahar puja (a special ritual) has been fixed between 11.30 pm on Monday and next day at 3.30 am. The Harihara meet will be conducted between 3.30 am and 4 am on Tuesday. The Bada Singhar Besha will be held at 4.30 am and Pahuda niti (closing ritual) is scheduled at 5.15 am on Tuesday.
Keeping a huge turnout of devotees in mind, the local administration has taken all sorts of initiatives to provide the best hospitality to the devotees thronging to the Lingaraj temple for the festival of Lord Shiva. For the first time, the zigzag barricade will be made in front of the temple office as well as the north and south gates of the temple. Special arrangements will be made for protecting the devotees from scorching sun heat.
Similarly, the barricade will be made by the ASI from the Lion’s gate to Aruna Stambha (sun pole) and around the temple premises. The preparation is underway to clean the sanctum sanctorum and jagamohan on the Mahashivratri. The cleaning work will be carried out in presence of 40 ASI officials, informed the ASI.
