Bhubaneswar: Dhabaleswar Temple in Cuttack witnessed a massive influx of devotees today, marking the last Monday of Kartik month.
According to sources, Panchuk Brata will begin from November 12 to November 15. On November 13, Bada Osha will be observed and Baba Dhabaleswar will give darshan to devotees in Bada Singhar Besha. Gaja Bhoga will be offered to the Lord on the same night, and distributed to devotees on November 14. The month-long Karttik Brata will conclude on November 15, marked by Boita Utsav.
The district administration has made elaborate arrangements to manage the crowd and ensure a streamlined darshan.
In a sacred ritual, Lord Dhabaleswar underwent a bath at 3 am in 108 pitchers, accompanied by traditional lamp lighting ceremonies. After purification and mangal arati rituals, devotees were allowed to have the darshan of the presiding deity of the Dhabaleswar.
It is learnt that Lord Balabhadra will adorn Harihar Besha, symbolizing Vishnu-Shiva unity while Lord Jagannath has been giving darshan to his devotees in Radha Damodar Besha in Puri Jagannath temple.