Mahakal temple decked up for Maha Shivratri:Decor uses imported flowers from Singapore, Hong Kong; inspired by South India’s Nataraja temple

Preparations for the grand celebration of Maha Shivratri have begun at the Shree Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain, with the temple premises being adorned with exotic flowers imported from four countries. More than 200 artists from Bengaluru are engaged in decorating the shrine using over 40 varieties of flowers, transforming Baba Mahakal’s court into a vibrant floral spectacle. Flowers flown in by air Every year on Maha Shivratri, artists from Bengaluru voluntarily decorate the temple with imported flowers. Continuing the tradition, this year too, the sanctum and temple complex are being embellished with rare blooms. Most of the flowers — costing several lakhs of rupees — were flown in by air to Bengaluru and then transported to Indore before reaching Ujjain. By Saturday evening, the Mahakal temple courtyard is expected to be fully adorned with the elaborate floral décor. Nearly 200 artists are currently working in the Nandi Hall, crafting intricate arrangements to enhance the temple’s grandeur. See decoration preparations in pictures Décor inspired by Nataraja Temple theme This year’s decoration theme draws inspiration from the famed Nataraja Temple of South India. Krishnamurthy Reddy, who is leading the decoration work, said his team has been preparing for the elaborate arrangements for days. Reddy and his group have been decorating the Mahakaleshwar Temple for the past 12 years during Maha Shivratri, using natural flowers and leaves to create an entirely organic theme. He added that the flowers have been sourced from Singapore, Hong Kong, Switzerland, and Indonesia. Apart from the sanctum sanctorum, floral decorations are also being carried out in the Nandi Hall and other prominent sections of the temple complex. Last year, nearly Rs 30 lakh was spent on Maha Shivratri decorations. The final expenditure for this year’s arrangements will be determined after the celebrations conclude.