Devotees Flock to Odisha Temples on Maha Shivaratri

Bhubaneswar: Lakhs of devotees thronged Lord Shiva temples across Odisha today to celebrate the auspicious occasion of Maha Shivaratri.

Major Shiva shrines, including the revered Lingaraj Temple in Bhubaneswar, Dhabaleswar Temple in Cuttack, Akhandalamani Temple in Bhadrak, Kapilash Temple in Dhenkanal, Ladu Baba Temple in Nayagarh, and Lokanath Temple in Puri, witnessed a massive turnout of worshippers seeking divine blessings.

To accommodate the large crowds, temple authorities implemented special arrangements to ensure smooth darshan for devotees. At the Shree Lingaraj Temple in Bhubaneswar, the temple administration announced that the ceremonial lifting of the Mahadeepa would take place at 10 PM.

Maha Shivaratri, observed on the Chaturdashi Tithi of Krishna Paksha in the month of Falgun, holds great spiritual significance for devotees. Many observe a day-long fast, consuming only fruits and milk, and break their fast the next day after offering prayers.