Bhubaneswar: Preparations for Maha Shivratri celebrations are underway at Lingaraj Temple in the Odisha capital.
The 11th-century shrine will be decked up with a variety of flowers and lights on the occasion. The front side of the temple is being painted to add sheen to the festivities.
In view of sweltering heat, fibre shade has been installed for the devotees.
A canopy has been set up from the temple to Ganga Jamuna square. The roads and pond outside the temple are also being decorated.
Flowers From Kolkata
Singha Dwara (Lion Gate) will be decorated with colourful flowers, which were brought from Kolkata.
Last year, the Bhubaneswar Florist Association had decorated the temple with 20 varieties of flowers worth Rs 6 lakh. This tear, the association has also brought flowers from Kolkata to decorate the Lion Gate and front side of the temple, informed Mitendra Samartha, a member of the association.
Fresh Paint
Artist Siba Narayan Senapati has been adding colours to the front side of the temple for the last 15 days.
For Jagara, he is now painting the nine lions, the wall of the lion gate, and Nabagraha.
Cleanliness
The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) is cleaning the temple and its nearby areas ahead of Maha Shivratri.
All the roads, connecting to the temple, and all the small temples and its premises will be cleared of all debris.
Colourful Lights To Be Installed In Pond and Trees
The Meghanada wall of the shrine, along with the Devi Padahara pond and small temples, will be illuminated with colourful lights.
Trees too will be decked up with colourful lights, sources added.
Also Read: Maha Shivratri At Lingaraj Temple: Know The Routes To Follow, Designated Parking Lots
The Mahadeep of Lord Lingaraj will be raised atop the temple at 10 pm on Thursday..
