LUCKNOW: With several Indian students stranded in Ukraine, Mahashivaratri in the city will be celebrated with rituals praying for world peace and safety for all.
Mankameshwar Math, the over 100- year old shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva, will mark the festival with ‘Maha Abhishek’ of the Shivling, which will be later decorated in the form of ‘Ardh Narishwar’ (the Lord who is half woman).
Mahant Divyagiri, the head priest of the temple said, “We will be praying for world peace from Lord Shiva on this special occasion.
The rituals will also be telecast live on the facebook page of the temple for the devotees to witness the grandeur of the festival.”
Buddheshwar Mahadeva temple will be organising a 24-hour long yagya (offering prayers to God in front of fire) with the motive to bring peace and good health to all around the world.
Arvind Singh, vice president of the organising committee, said, “A grand Shobha Yatra will be organised on the special occasion with the massive involvement of musical bands. Two LED screens are installed outside the temple premises for the devotees.”
Alok Singhal, secretary, Shivalaya-Dwadash Jyotirling Dham in Sadar said, “The Shivalinga will be decorated in the form of a groom, after which a floral Holi celebration will be organised in the evening, before the Maha Aarti in the temple premises to mark the occasion.”
The 200-year old Shivalaya- Dwadash Jyotirling Dham is unique in all aspects, from its beautiful architecture on the inside to the replicas of the 12 'jyotirlings'.
Mahakaal Temple in Rajendra Nagar, which is a version of the original Mahakaal Jyotirlinga based in Ujjain, will be practicing the rituals in a similar manner.
Atul Mishra, member of the organising committee at the temple, said, “The ‘bhasma’, ‘roli’ and other offerings have been brought from Ujjain. The shivlinga will be decorated in the form of a groom followed by an ‘Abhishek’ with the water brought from Harihar Kund in Ujjain.
Guards have been appointed for the special day to ensure all Covid protocols fall in place.”
