Maha Shivratri 2023: Large turnout expected at major Shiva shrines in Odisha

Arrangements for Maha Shivratri at major Shiva shrines are on its last leg.

Aiming for a smooth conduct of Shivratri in Bhubaneswar, the Commissionerate Police has decided to deploy 32 platoons of police force near Lingaraj Temple on Saturday.

four places have been identified by the police near Lingaraj Temple for parking of vehicles by devotees.

The 'Mahadeepa' of Lord Lingaraj will be raised atop the temple at around 10 pm on Saturday. A decision in this regard was taken during a preparatory meeting held on Tuesday.

Famous Dhabaleswar Shrine in Cuttack is also geared up for the Jagar Jatra.

Speaking on the preparations, a servitor of Dhabaleswar shrine said, “The ‘Pahada’ (Door of the sanctum sanctorum) of the Shrine will be opened after rituals at 4 am. 'Mangala Alati' and 'Balya Bhoga' rituals will be performed with 108 pots of water.”

“Following the bathing rituals, Baba Dhabaleswar will wear fragrant flowers to let the devotees have darshan in ’Badasinghara Besha’. By noon, ‘Sankhudi Bhoga’ will be offered to the Lord. And in the evening, Shivratri rituals of Baba Dhabaleswar will begin,” he added.

Shivratri will be observed at Dhabaleswar Shrine after three years, so a huge rush of devotees is expected on Saturday.

Similarly, at the famous Lokanath shrine in Puri, arrangements are in final stages as well.

Speaking to the reporters, a servitor of the shrine said, “The temple committee had held a meeting with the administration for Shivratri. We are performing all the rituals as per the programme fixed in that meeting.”

“Dwara Fita (Door Opening) ritual will begin at 12 am tonight. And all the rituals will follow after that as per the schedule,” he said.

(Reported By Nilakantha Dora, OTV)