Bhubaneswar, Jul 22: In keeping with a centuries-old temple tradition, Lord Lingaraj, the presiding deity of Ekamra Kshetra, ceremonially handed over the administrative responsibility of the sacred city to Lord Parsurameswar on the auspicious occasion of Parsuram Ashtami.

The ritual precedes Shiva Shayana Chaturdashi, which falls on July 27 this year. From this day until Shiva Utthapana Chaturdashi on November 23, Lord Lingaraj is believed to enter a four-month divine slumber during the monsoon season, known as Chaturmas. During this period, the responsibility for the administration of Ekamra Kshetra is traditionally entrusted to Lord Parsurameswar, whose temple is located near the Kedar Gouri shrine.

As part of the ceremonial observance, the deity was taken in a grand procession after the completion of the Bhogamandap rituals. Following Maha Snana, Surya Puja, Dwarapala Puja, and the adornment rituals, the deities were carried in beautifully decorated palanquins to the Parsurameswar Temple.

After the ceremonial meeting (Bheta Alati) and offering of sacred food (Bhoga), the symbolic transfer of responsibility was completed. A similar ritual offering was also made at the nearby Kedareswar Temple. Following the completion of all rituals, the deities returned to the Lingaraj Temple.

The annual ceremony marks the beginning of the sacred Chaturmas period and remains one of the unique ritual traditions observed at the historic Lingaraj Temple in Bhubaneswar.