‘Mahadipa' lifting ritual at Lingaraj temple delayed by 2 hours

The much-awaited ritual of ‘Maha Shivratri’ at Lingaraj temple - the lifting of the holy ‘Mahadipa’ atop the temple - is reportedly getting delayed. 

According to sources, the rituals associated with the festival are running 2 hours late than the scheduled time. Devotees who are holding fast are waiting eagerly for the Mahadipa to be lifted atop the temple so that they can break the fast and have prasad. 

Meanwhile, Minister Ashok Chandra Panda reached the temple and held a discussion with the servitors regarding the delay in rituals. 
“I have requested the servitors to complete the rituals. They are also working accordingly,” said Panda. 

The earlier schedule fixed for the raising of the Mahadipa by the temple administration was 10 PM.