Lokanath to Lingaraj Temple, Odisha’s Shaiva shrines witness heavy footfall on Maha Shivratri

Devotees thronged Shaiva shrines across Odisha on Sunday as the state observes the sacred festival of Maha Shivratri. Elaborate arrangements have been put in place to ensure smooth conduct of rituals and crowd management at major temples.

From Lingaraj Temple in Bhubaneswar to Puri Lokanath, and from Dhabaleswar in Cuttack district to Kapilas, preparations were completed for the raising of the ‘Mahadeepa’, a key ritual associated with the festival. The movement of devotees began early in the morning at several temples.

Arrangements At Lingaraj Temple

At the shrine of Lord Lingaraj, the ‘Mahadeepa’ is scheduled to be raised at 10 pm tonight. In view of the possibility of lakhs of devotees gathering, the Police Commissioner reviewed the security and traffic arrangements ahead of the observance.

A total of 41 platoons of force and 200 officers will be deployed on security duty at and around the temple premises. The Police Commissioner stated that strict action will be taken if fake passes are detected, indicating heightened vigilance to regulate access and maintain order during the peak hours of worship.

Security Measures In Puri

In Puri, extensive arrangements have been made for the Maha Shivratri, also known as Jagar Jatra, of Baba Lokanath. The Puri SP said that five platoons of force have been deployed to ensure security and facilitate orderly darshan for devotees visiting the shrine.

Preparations At Dhabaleswar

At Baba Dhabaleswar shrine, one of the prominent Shaiva shrines in Cuttack district, all preparations for Shivratri have been completed. The ‘Mahadeepa’ will be raised there at 1 am tonight. 

Authorities confirmed that all arrangements for the occasion have been finalised to manage the expected turnout of devotees.

Across the state, the focus remains on maintaining security, regulating traffic and ensuring a smooth observance of Maha Shivratri rituals at key temples.

Devotees expressed satisfaction after offering prayers and having darshan at the temples, describing the arrangements as orderly and well-managed.