Bhubaneswar: The authorities of Lingaraj temple in Odisha capital here have finalized the ritual schedule for the upcoming Maha Shivratri festival.
As per the schedule, the Mangala Alati and Abakash rituals of Lord Lingaraj would be performed in between 3 am and 3.30 am on March 8 (Friday).
Sahanamela Darshan for the devotees will begin at 3.30 am and continue till 11 am, said a temple official today.
The Mahasnana and Besa ritual of the presiding deity are scheduled to be held in between 12 noon and 12.45 pm while Sakala Dhoopa ritual would be performed at 2.30 pm.
The Sahanamela Darshan for the devotees will resume at 3.45 pm in the afternoon and continue till 3.45 pm. Dwiprahara Dhoopa of Lord Lingaraj is scheduled to be held in between 5.45 pm and 7 pm.
The Pahuda ritual will be held at 7 pm and Sandhya Alati at 7.30 pm, added the official.
The priests of the shrine would lift the Mahadeepa atop the temple at 10 pm after the completion of Sandhya Dhoopa ritual. The devotees would be allowed to visit the 11th century shrine as part of Sahana Mela Darshan from 10 pm to 11 pm.
The Badasinghar and Pahuda ritual of Lord Lingaraj would be held at 4.30 am on March 9 soon after the completion of Harihar Bheta ritual, temple sources said.