Modi to visit Lingaraj temple today

Bhubaneswar: Prime Minister Narendra Modi who is here in Bhubaneswar to attend BJP’s National Executive Meet, will offer obeisance to Lord Lingaraj on Sunday. Modi is also scheduled to felicitate the descendants of families associated with the rebellion against British colonialsm, called the Paika rebellion.

The felicitation ceremony will be organised at Raj Bhavan between 8 am and 8:45 am at the  following which the PM will offer prayers at the 11^th century shrine.

Modi is scheduled to stay at the shrine for nearly 10 minutes. The temple administration has decided to stop entry of general public10 minutes before the PM's scheduled visit. No devotees will be allowed to enter the temple during this time, official sources said.

Security has been tightened in and around the temple premises. Modi will offer flowers, bel leaves, milk, coconut water and water to Lord Lingaraj on the occasion, a temple official said. Modi will also offer Korakhai- a special sweet dish and varieties of pithas (pancakes) to the lord, sources said.

Soon after the worship, he will drive straight to Janata Maidan, the venue of the BJP National Executive Meet, where he will remain present till 4 pm. He will leave for Surat at 4.20 pm.