Maha Shivaratri, one of the most revered Hindu festivals, witnessed a massive gathering of devotees at Shiva temples across Odisha. From midnight, worshippers thronged key shrines such as the Lingaraj Temple in Bhubaneswar, Dhabaleswar Temple in Cuttack, Kapilas Temple in Dhenkanal, and Akhandalamani Temple in Bhadrak to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva. This festival, marked by fasting, night-long vigils, and sacred rituals, holds great spiritual significance for devotees.
Grand Celebrations at Major Temples
Devotees began arriving at the Lingaraj Temple in Bhubaneswar as early as 4 a.m. to offer prayers and witness the sacred rituals. To ensure a smooth and peaceful celebration, around 40 platoons of police have been deployed in and around the Ekamra Kshetra. The temple and its surroundings have been adorned with exquisite floral decorations, enhancing the spiritual ambiance. The highlight of the event, the raising of the Mahadeep (sacred lamp), is scheduled to take place at 10 p.m.
Similarly, in Cuttack, the Dhabaleswar Temple saw a large influx of devotees starting from the early hours. The temple servitors prepared a special offering known as ‘Mandua,’ which was distributed among the worshippers as prasad. The Mahadeep at this temple will be raised at midnight, adding to the sanctity of the occasion. Adequate police forces have been stationed to manage the large crowd effectively.
The Kapilash Temple in Dhenkanal also experienced a significant turnout of devotees eager to have darshan of Lord Chandrasekhar. Meanwhile, in Bhadrak district, the Akhandalamani Temple in Aradi drew thousands of worshippers. Law enforcement authorities have been actively monitoring the situation to ensure seamless crowd management and security at all temple sites.
Spiritual Significance of Maha Shivaratri
Maha Shivaratri is deeply rooted in Hindu mythology, symbolizing the night when Lord Shiva performed the cosmic dance of creation, preservation, and destruction. According to legend, Lord Shiva consumed poison to save the world, prompting devotees to stay awake throughout the night, light lamps, and offer prayers in reverence. Observing fasts and performing Abhishek (ritualistic bathing) with milk, honey, and water are integral parts of the celebration.
Greetings from Political Leaders
On this auspicious occasion, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, and former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik extended their heartfelt wishes to the people of Odisha.
Taking to social media, CM Majhi conveyed, “Warm greetings and heartfelt wishes to all on the auspicious occasion of Maha Shivaratri (Jagar). May the divine blessings of Mahadev fill your lives with joy, peace, and prosperity.”
Deputy CM Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo also expressed his reverence, stating, “On the auspicious occasion of Maha Shivaratri, I bow to Lord Shiva, the destroyer of darkness and the giver of wisdom. May Mahadev’s divine blessings bring strength, peace, and prosperity to all. May his grace guide us on the path of righteousness and devotion. Wishing everyone a blissful and spiritually enriching Maha Shivaratri! Har Har Mahadev!”
Former CM Naveen Patnaik joined in the celebrations, posting, “Warm greetings on the auspicious occasion of Maha Shivaratri (Jagar Amavasya). May the blessings of Mahadev grace everyone’s life. Om Namah Shivaya.”
The grandeur of Maha Shivaratri celebrations in Odisha reflects the unwavering devotion of millions of worshippers who come together to honor Lord Shiva. As temples remain illuminated with sacred lamps and resonant with the chants of ‘Har Har Mahadev,’ the spirit of faith and spirituality shines brightly. With organized arrangements by temple authorities and government support, this year’s Maha Shivaratri has once again reinforced the deep-rooted cultural and religious traditions of Odisha.
(With inputs from agencies)
