Somnath (Gujarat): The Somnath temple, which is deemed first among the 12 jyotirlinga temples of lord Shiva, will remain open continuously for 42 hours on the occasion of Mahashivratri on February 24, the temple trust today said.

The temple which will also organize a two day cultural festival Somnath Mahashivaratri Mahotsav 2017 from February 23, a day before the festival in the temple premises, will also organize a ‘Vedic palkhi yatra’ (chariot tour) of lord Someshwar from Veraval to Somnath. The temple will also organize four special aartis (prahar aartis) and puja during the festival.

In-charge General Manager of the Somnath temple trust Vijay Chavda today said that the Palkhi yatra, being organized first time on the occasion of Mahashivratri, would cross through various points including, Tower Chauk, Brahmkunda, Bhidia , Sankh circle and Bhallaka tirtha. It will start from Chandramaulishwar Mahadev temple situated near 80 ft road of Veralval and reach Somnath.

‘The temple will remain open continuously for 42 hours since 0400 am in the morning of February 24. Elaborate arrangements have been made for the convenience of lakhs of devotees who would throng the temple on the occasion,’ he said.

The whole temple will be decorated with LED lights and giant LED screens would be installed. A special assistance center would be functional at the entrance of the temple, he said.

In the cultural event Somnath Mahashivratri Mahotsav, around 250 artist including noted singer Padma Shri Dr Soma Ghosh would participate, he said adding that security in the temple situated on the coast of Indian Ocean will be tightened on the occasion.

DeshGujarat