Bhubaneswar: Thousands of devotees broke their day-long fast on Sunday evening after the mahadeep (sacred lamp) was lifted atop the Lingaraja Temple at around 8.40 pm, amid chants of “Om Namah Shivaya” and “Har Har Mahadev.”
The ritual followed the Bedha Parikrama, the clockwise circumambulation around the temple by servitors, after which the holy lamp was lit and carried to the top of the 16th-century Shaivite shrine. The ceremony, earlier scheduled for 10 pm, drew huge crowds as devotees celebrated the auspicious moment by ending their fast.
The festival was observed with fervor across all Shaiva Peethas in Odisha. Lingaraja Temple saw a massive turnout in the evening, while devotees thronged other famous shrines across the state, including Lokanath Temple in Puri, Akhandalamani Temple at Aradi in Bhadrak, Kapilash Temple in Dhenkanal, Baideswar Temple in Cuttack, and Ladu Baba Temple in Nayagarh, to offer prayers to Lord Shiva.
Temple authorities had made elaborate arrangements to manage the large crowd, including barricades for smooth darshan of the presiding deity. The shrines were beautifully decorated and illuminated, and several temples also hosted Bhajan programs to mark the occasion.
As the lamps glowed atop the temples, devotees prayed for the welfare of their families and loved ones, seeking the blessings of Lord Mahadev. The early lighting of the mahadeep at Lingaraja Temple added to the festive spirit, making it a memorable evening for devotees.
