RAISEN, MP, Mar 10:
A temple of Lord Shiva — situated at a height of 556 ft on a historical fort in Madhya Pradesh’s, Raisen — is probably the country’s first such temple where devotees get a chance to offer puja for only 12 hours in a year.
The temple is opened on Mahashivaratri from 0600 to 1800 hrs in the presence of a district administration’s representative after obtaining permission from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
A fair is also organised on this occasion.
The temple was handed over to ASI in 1958 after formation of Madhya Pradesh in 1956 and the temple remained locked as per the rules of the ASI.
However, people lodge protest against the ASI’s decision and in a support to the people’s demand, the then chief minister Prakash Chandra Sethi went to the temple by a helicopter on Mahashivratri and offered puja in 1973.
From that day onwards, the temple remains open for 12 hrs on this auspicious day and devotees offer puja in a large number and also take part in the fair.
(UNI)
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