Devotees Flock to Lingaraj Temple for Rai Damodar Besha Darshan

Bhubaneswar, Oct 7: The sacred month of Kartika has ushered in a wave of spiritual fervour at Bhubaneswar’s iconic Lingaraj Temple, where Lord Lingaraj appeared in his revered Rai Damodar Besha today.

Thousands of devotees thronged the temple premises from early morning, eager to witness the divine spectacle.

Following the traditional Dhoopa Mangala Aarti, the temple authorities opened the gates for Sahanamela Darshan at 10 AM, allowing the public to view the deity in his ceremonial attire.

The Ekamra Kshetra buzzed with energy as pilgrims, especially women observing the Kartika rituals, arrived in large numbers.

Special arrangements were made for Habishyalis, including dedicated seating and servings of Habisha Dalma, a ritualistic meal.

Recognising the influx of elderly devotees, the temple administration and sevayats ensured separate darshan queues for senior citizens, enhancing accessibility and comfort.

Police personnel were deployed across the temple complex to manage the crowd and maintain order. The temple committee confirmed that all necessary measures were in place to ensure a smooth and spiritually fulfilling experience for devotees.

As Kartika rituals continue throughout the month, the Lingaraj Temple is expected to witness sustained footfall, reaffirming its place as a spiritual nucleus during Odisha’s most auspicious season.