Bhubaneswar: A massive crowd gathered at Shiva shrines across Odisha since midnight to celebrate Maha Shivaratri.
The Lingaraj Temple in Bhubaneswar, Dhabaleswar Temple in Cuttack, Kapilas Temple in Dhenkanal, and Akhandalamani Temple in Bhadrak saw a massive turnout of worshippers.
Going by legend, Lord Shiva consumed poison to save the world. To protect Mahadev’s life, the entire world stayed awake and lit lamps.
On this day, devotees fast, visit Shiva temples, and light diyas. They break their fast when the Mahadeep (sacred lamp) is raised atop the temple.
Devotees began queuing up at the Lingaraj Temple for darshan of Lord Shiva from 4 am. Around 40 platoons of police have been deployed in and around the Ekamra Kshetra to maintain law and order.
The Singhadwara and the main temple are beautifully decorated with flowers. The Mahadeep will be raised atop the temple at 10 pm.
In Cuttack, Dhabaleswar Temple saw a large number of devotees arriving from 4 am. The servitors prepared a special offering called ‘Mandua’ and distributed it among the devotees. The Mahadeep will be raised at midnight.
Adequate police forces have been deployed to ensure the smooth flow of the crowd.
In Dhenkanal, Kapilas Temple saw a heavy rush of devotees for darshan of Lord Chandrasekhar from the morning. Similarly, in Bhadrak district, a large number of devotees have gathered at the Akhandalamani Temple in Aradi. Police personnel are present to maintain order and ensure the smooth conduct of the festival.
All across Odisha, temples are filled with devotees waiting to offer prayers and seek blessings from Lord Shiva on this auspicious day. The spirit of devotion continues to shine brightly as the celebrations unfold.
