Lucknow Temples Adorned for Mahashivratri Celebrations
As Mahashivratri approaches on Sunday, temples across Lucknow are undergoing extensive preparations to welcome devotees for this sacred festival. According to legend, Mahashivratri commemorates the divine marriage of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, making it a significant occasion for Hindu worshippers.
Mankameshwar Temple Preparations
The Mankameshwar temple is being transformed with vibrant decorations featuring LED lights, fresh flowers, and colorful artificial plastic strings. Mahant Devyagiri of the temple announced that the premises have been thoroughly cleaned and white-washed in anticipation of the festival.
Ritual Schedule: The morning arti will commence at 3:30 AM on Sunday, followed by an evening arti at 8:00 PM. The temple will remain open to devotees from after the morning arti until midnight.
Offerings: Devotees will be treated to a special bhog consisting of sabudana khichdi, assorted fruits, and makhana. Additionally, a bhandara featuring kheer will be organized for all attendees.
Mahakal Temple in Rajendranagar
At the Mahakal temple in Rajendranagar, elaborate decorations with colorful LED lights and floral arrangements are underway. The deity will be adorned with turmeric and sandalwood paste for the occasion.
Special Rituals: The temple will host Rudrabhishek, a ceremonial offering of water or milk to the deity, along with Bhasma arti at 4:00 AM.
Prasad Distribution: Temple committee coordinator Atul Mishra confirmed that Chappan bhog, a traditional offering of fifty-six food items, will be presented to the deity, with prasad distributed among devotees.
Buddheshwar Temple at Dubagga
The Buddheshwar temple at Dubagga is organizing a two-day fair on Sunday and Monday, accompanied by a bhandara for devotees.
Arti Timings: Morning arti is scheduled for 2:30 AM, with evening arti at 7:00 PM.
Food Offerings: According to Arvind Singh, senior vice-president of the temple committee, prasad will include fruits, puri, sabzi, and kheer served to all attendees.
51 Shaktipeeth Temple Arrangements
The 51 Shaktipeeth temple will conduct 'Jalabhishek,' a ritual offering of water to the deity. The deity will be decorated with bel leaves for the occasion.
Temple Hours: President of the temple trust, Tripti Tiwari, stated that the temple will be accessible to devotees from 6:30 AM until 11:00 PM.
Arti Schedule: Morning arti will take place at 6:30 AM, followed by evening arti at 6:30 PM.
These preparations across multiple temples in Lucknow reflect the city's dedication to observing Mahashivratri with traditional fervor and communal participation, ensuring devotees can engage in prayers and rituals throughout the festival day.
