Bhubaneswar: The authorities have made all arrangements for a smooth Maha Shivratri (Jagar Yatra) festival at Lingaraj temple in the Odisha capital here on February 15 (Sunday).
Bhubaneswar: Thousands of devotees are expected to throng Shree Lingaraj Temple in Bhubaneswar, one of the most revered shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva in Odisha, for the grand celebration of Maha Shivratri on Sunday (February 15).
Elaborate arrangements have been made to ensure strict adherence to traditional rituals, their timely observance and orderly darshan for devotees, from the commencement of the festival to the lighting of Mahadeepa atop the shrine at 10 pm, the most significant ritual marking the culmination of Shivratri.
According to the temple authorities, the festivities will begin early with the Mangala Alati and Abakash rituals for Lord Lingaraj from 3 AM to 3:30 am, followed by the Rosa Homa at 6:30 am. Devotees will have the opportunity for Sahanamela Darshan, offering prayers directly before the presiding deity, from 3 AM to 11 AM.T
Other ceremonies including Chhamu Pariskar, Mahasnana Besa, Surya Puja, Dhoopa, and Bhogamandap will conclude by 3:45 pm. Evening rituals for Lord Lingaraj and subsidiary deities are set to wrap up by 7 pm. Priests will then perform the Majana, Besa, Jatra Puja, and Bedha rituals between 8:10 pm and 8:55 pm, culminating in the iconic Mahadeepa ceremony at 10 pm when the grand sacred lamp is placed atop the temple spire, symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness.
Post-midnight observances will continue into the early hours of Monday (February 16) with Chari Prahar Puja, Harihar Bheta, Bada Singhar, and Pahuda rituals scheduled to be completed by 5 am.
To manage the anticipated large turnout, multi-layered security with police deployment, 24/7 CCTV surveillance at key points, dedicated entry/exit routes, barricading, queue management with volunteers, traffic diversions around the Old Town area, designated parking zones, shuttle services, drinking water supply, sanitation facilities, enhanced lighting, and fire safety protocols have been put in place.
The temple is already decked up with thousands of earthen lamps (diyas) and decorative lights, creating a mesmerising spiritual atmosphere, on the occasion.
Meanwhile, Commissioner of Police (CP) Suresh Dev Datta Singh has cautioned devotees and public against falling victim to fraudulent claims on social media regarding the sale or distribution of entry passes. “The temple authorities have issued passes exclusively to authorised servitors (sevayats) for participating in the Jagar Yatra and associated rituals. Each legitimate pass is equipped with a secure QR code designed for instant verification. There will be no scope for fake passes,” the CP asserted firmly.
According to sources, passes claiming to offer special entry into 11th-century shrine are reportedly being sold online for Rs 1,800, promising devotees’ hassle-free darshan of Lord Lingaraj without standing in queues.
He warned of strict action against anyone caught possessing or attempting to use fake passes.
