Lingaraj Temple

The daily rituals of Lord Lingaraj start early in the morning and continue till late evening. The temple gates are thrown open early in the morning between 5.30 a.m and 6 a.m. The door is opened by the functionary called Pharaka who has the key. The opening takes places in presence of a representative of Pancayat and the Palia Badu. The Sevaka, i.e., the Palia Badu enters the temple with a Kalasa of water and sprinkles the water on all the Sivalingas inside the temple. Then the sanctum door is opened and a servant called Akhanda now performs the Mangala Arati or auspicious waving of light in honor of Lord Lingaraj. The deity wakes up from his sleep: this ceremony is called Pahuda Bhanga.Thereafter, the Palia Badu removes the bilvaleaves, flowers, etc. placed on the llinga in the previous night.The ceremony of the washing of teeth is performed with a twig and after being bathed, the Lord is offered flowers and bilva leaf,etc. Then Lord Lingaraja is ready for public Darsana. This gathering of devotees wanting to have a view of the lord is called Sahana Mela. Generally it continues from 7.30 a.m. to 12 noon. On special occasions, the sanctum remains open for a much longer period.After Sahana Mela, a purificatory ceremony orMahasnana takes place. The Palia Badu bathes the deity and washers the linga pitha with water. Then, panchamrta, consisting of milk, honey, curd, butter and guda(jaggery), is poured on the linga for purifications. Thereafter, the linga is dressed and decorated with ornaments, flowers,etc. Lord Lingaraj is offered bhoga eight times daily and this includes five avakasas and three dhupas.

These comprise the followings:
1. Bala dhupa or vala ballava
2. sakala dhupa
3. Bhoga- Mandapa Dhupa or Chatrabhoga
4. Virakisore ballava
5. Dvipahara dhupa or madhyahna dhupa
6. Teraphita
7. sandhya dhupa
8. Bada singhara