Maha Shivratri: Odisha resounds with 'Om Namah Shivaya' as devotees observe Jagar and Mahadipa rituals

The chants of 'Om Namah Shivaya' echo across Odisha as the state immerses itself in deep devotion on the occasion of Maha Shivratri. From the sacred Lingaraj Temple in Bhubaneswar to Kapilash Temple, thousands of devotees have gathered to offer prayers and observe the holy night dedicated to Lord Shiva.

At Lingaraj Temple, serpentine queues of devotees stretch for hours as worshippers light lamps and chant the Panchakshari mantra. The sacred ‘Mahadipa’ atop the temple is scheduled to be raised at 10 pm, followed by ‘Sahanamela’ darshan till 11 pm. The ‘Harihara Bheta’ ritual will take place between 4 am and 5 am, culminating in the ‘Badasinghara Besha’ at dawn. Fasting devotees wait patiently through the night, participating in the traditional ‘Jagar’ vigil.

"We are so much joyful to have the darshan of the Lord. I have prayed God to fulfil my wish," said a devotee in Bhubaneswar.

"I have observed fasting throughout the day. I have fully surrendered before the Lord with full of devotion. I have been coming here for the last two years and observing Maha Shivratri for the last 12 years," said another devotee in Bhubaneswar.

Across the state, major Shaivite shrines are witnessing distinctive rituals rooted in centuries-old traditions. At the revered Akhandalamani Temple in Bhadrak, devotees express deep faith in the sacred ‘Kunda Paduka’. The holy water associated with the Paduka is believed by locals to possess divine healing powers. During the Jagar festival, thousands travel from distant places to receive a drop of this sacred water. It is believed that no matter how venomous a snake bite may be, the holy water associated with the Paduka can neutralize the poison. The ceremonial raising of the Mahadipa at dawn after a night-long vigil is another key ritual observed here.

"By consuming Kunda Paduka of Lord Akhandalamani, poison of venomous snakes get neutralised. People also got cured from chronic diseases," said Parswajit Padhy, a servitor of Lord Akhandalamani.

"Kunda Paduka of Lord Akhandalamani is very much effective. Many devotees have been cured of diseases by receiving Kunda Paduka," said Sitanshu Swain, a devotee.

At the Lokanath Temple in Puri, special offerings such as ‘Rahani Khaja’, ‘Jagannath Ballav’, ‘Nunu Khuruma’, ‘Chuda Ghassa’ and banana bhog are presented to the deity. Devotees throng the temple to seek blessings on this auspicious night.

Also Read: Maha Shivratri: Odisha soaked in Shiva bhakti as devotees observe Jagar and Mahadipa rituals

Similarly, the ancient Dhabaleswar Temple observes unique traditions, including the offering of ‘Mandua Bhog’. The temple also witnesses the customary raising of the Mahadeepa, drawing large numbers of worshippers.

Adorned in magnificent attire decorated with 'Ketaki' flowers, Lord Shiva’s divine appearance at various shrines is considered especially auspicious on Maha Shivratri. ‘Mandua Bhog’ is specially offered on Shivaratri. After the offering rituals, other ceremonial worship is performed, followed by the traditional raising of the Mahadipa.

The celebrations across Odisha reflect the state’s rich spiritual heritage, as devotees unite in unwavering faith and devotion on this sacred occasion.