Bhubaneswar: Various famous Shiva temples were decked up on the occasion of Maha Shivaratri that is being observed with religious fervor across Odisha on Wednesday.
Devotees in lakhs thronged several temples including the Lingaraj temple in Bhubaneswar since morning to seek the blessings of Lord 'Bholenath' on the auspicious occasion.
Famous shrines-- Kapilas in Dhenkanal, Akhandalamani in Bhadrak, Gupteswar in Koraput, Loknath in Puri, Dhabaleswar in Cuttack, Veda Vyasa in Rourkela and Harishankar in Bolangir have been decorated with colorful lights and flowers on the occasion.
Besides, several cultural programs are also lined up for tonight at various temples including at Lingaraj temple and other Shiva shrines in other parts of the State.
"It is a very auspicious day as people keep fast and pray the Lord for the well being of the family. We eagerly wait for the 'Mahadipa darshan' as devotees break their fast after completion of this ritual," said Trupti, a devotee.
"I have been keeping fast on Shivaratri since my childhood and now this is my first 'Jaagara' after marriage. I am extremely blessed to have a darshan of Prabhu Chandrasekhar here in Kapilas," said Prachi from Dhenkanal.
In view of congregation of devotees at Lingaraj Temple in Bhubaneswar on the occasion of Maha Shivaratri today, the Commissionerate Police has issued advisory to ensure smooth flow of traffic.
On the other hand, the temple administration has also made special arrangements to ensure smooth and timely conduct of all rituals on the occasion.
The rituals began early in the morning with Mangal Arati and Abakasa Niti. The Mahadeep will be placed atop the temple crown at 10 pm, officials of the temple informed.
"We are trying to coordinate with servitors and others associated with the arrangements to conduct the rituals at the temple in an organized manner," said president of Lingaraj Temple Trust Board, Manoj Kumar Mohanty.
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