Shiva temples throughout Odisha put together for Maha Shivaratri 2023
Now only one day is left before the great Hindu festival of Mahashivratri, This day holds special significance for the devotees of Lord Shiva.
Maha Shivaratri, also known as “Jagar” in Odisha, festival at the doorstep, preparations are in full swing. Reportedly, the Twin City Commissionerate Police shall issue a traffic advisory for hassle-free traffic arrangement during Maha Shivaratri at the Lingaraj Temple in Bhubaneswar in view the large congregation of thousands of devotees here.
Meanwhile, the administration and the temple authorities have finalised the time table for conducting the rituals the festival at Lingaraj Temple this year. According to the information, the Mahadeepa will be raised atop the temple at 10 pm. The devotees can light diyas on the premises of the Lingaraj Temple.
The Cuttack Municipal Corporation (CMC) also issued guidelines in view of large gathering congregations outside/ within the temple premises.
What is the importance of Maha Shivaratri?
Maha Shivratri, meaning “The Great Night of Shiva”, is celebrated with a belief that Lord Shiva performs “Tandava Nrutya” on this very day. Hindus also celebrate this grand festival as it marks the convergence of the forces of Shiva and Shakti. The duo of Shiv and Shakti is considered to be the epitome of love, power, and togetherness.
According to Hindu mythology, it is believed that Lord Shiva and Mata Parvati got married on the occasion of Maha Shivaratri. While Lord Shiva signifies Purusha – which is mindfulness, Maa Parvati signifies Prakriti – which is nature.
This festival is also a reminder of overcoming darkness and ignorance in life.
This festival is celebrated with religious fervor and enthusiasm by the devotees who visit the temples. They also keep a full-day fast that begins in the morning of the festival and ends the following day after the Mahadeepa gets raised atop the Shiv temple.
How to prepare for Maha Shivaratri fasting?
On the day of the quick, one ought to get up early within the morning two hours earlier than dawn.
Take a shower and put on clear garments adopted by a sankalp. They can take sankalp by taking some rice and water of their palm.
People who’re affected by sure well being situations or are on medicine ought to seek the advice of their physician earlier than going forward with the fasting
People observing the quick are suggested to do ‘Om Namah Shivay’ chanting a number of occasions in a day.
Devotees ought to take second tub within the night earlier than doing shiv puja.
Milk, dhatura flower, belpatra, sandalwood paste, yogurt, honey, ghee, sugar must be provided to the Shivling in the course of the puja.
One shouldn’t eat meals made from wheat, rice, pulses as it’s strictly prohibited in the course of the quick. Non-vegetarian meals, garlic, onion also needs to be averted.
Among famous Shiv shines, Lord Loknath Temple in Puri, Lord Lingaraj Temple in Bhubaneswar, Lord Dhabaleshwar Temple in Cuttack, Lord Kapileswar Temple in Dhenkanal, Lord Panchalingeswar Temple in Balasore, Baba Akhandalmani Temple in Bhadrak, Ladukeswar Temple in Nayagarh, Gupteswar Temple in Koraput are ones that attract lakhs of devotees on this day.
