Devotees Throng Shree Lokanath Temple on Pankodhar Ekadashi

Puri: Thousands of devotees gathered at the Shree Lokanath Temple in Puri on the occasion of Pankodhar Ekadashi, seeking a rare glimpse of the revered Shiva Linga during the annual Pankodhar Neeti ritual.

Observed three days prior to Maha Shivratri, Pankodhar Neeti marks a spiritually significant occasion when the Shiva Linga—usually submerged under water inside the sanctum—is unveiled for public darshan. The ritual offers devotees a rare opportunity to worship the deity directly.

During the ceremony, temple priests carefully remove the accumulated water around the Shiva Linga using sacred vessels. The linga is then cleansed with sandalwood paste and fragrant floral essences before being adorned for the special darshan. Devotees are allowed to offer bel leaves, flowers, and even gold or silver ornaments—an opportunity typically not possible as the lingam remains submerged throughout the year.

Temple doors opened at midnight, and the Pankodhar ritual was performed between 12 am and 4 am amid tight security arrangements. Devotees began queuing up from late night, creating a spiritually charged atmosphere around the temple premises.

Many devotees believe that the sanctified soil from the temple’s inner sanctum possesses healing properties. The unveiling of the Shiva Linga is considered highly auspicious, with local belief holding that a single darshan on this day equals the spiritual merit of worshipping a lakh Shiva Lingas.

According to legend, the deity was installed by Lord Rama, adding to the temple’s religious importance. Ancient scriptures also describe the lingam as remaining submerged symbolically under the continuous flow of Goddess Ganga’s waters, representing protection from cosmic destruction.

The district administration put in place elaborate security measures to ensure smooth darshan. The arrangements included deployment of an Additional SP, seven DSPs, 16 inspectors, and seven platoons of police personnel. Barricades were erected to regulate the crowd.

The Jagatamangala Diya will continue to burn for the next three days, culminating in Maha Shivratri celebrations.

As per mythological accounts in the Padma Purana, Pankodhar Ekadashi—also known as Papanashini Ekadashi—is believed to absolve devotees of sins and fulfill their wishes, drawing pilgrims from across the region to Puri for the sacred observance.