Mahadeepa Raised Early at Lingaraj Temple Bhubaneswar During Maha Shivratri
Bhubaneswar, Feb 15: The sacred Mahadeepa was raised atop the Lingaraj Temple at 8:38 PM on Maha Shivratri, earlier than the scheduled 10:00 PM, sparking joy among thousands of devotees gathered at Ekamra Kshetra.
The early lighting allowed devotees to break their fasts sooner, filling the temple complex with chants of Shiva Panchakshari and devotional fervour.
Temple authorities, along with BMC and Commissionerate Police, had made elaborate arrangements for crowd management, safety, and ritual observance.
Fire services deployed oxygen bags and water sprays to assist devotees in congested areas, while civil defence teams remained on duty.
The day began with Mangala Alati and Abakash rituals, followed by bhajan programs and continuous darshan opportunities.
Heavy footfall was reported from Saturday night itself, with devotees thronging the temple gates and nearby areas.
Authorities also issued warnings against a fake app circulating online that falsely promised easy temple entry for a fee.
Meanwhile, similar Mahadeepa rituals and devotional programs were observed at other temples across Bhubaneswar, extending the spiritual grandeur of Maha Shivratri beyond Lingaraj Temple.
