Massive devotee turnout at Gupteswar Temple in Odisha's Koraput for Maha Shivratri

Ritual worship of the presiding deity is underway on the occasion of Maha Shivratri on Sunday in accordance with tradition at the famous Gupteswar Temple, a prominent Shaivite shrine located in Baipariguda of Odisha’s Koraput district.

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

A large number of devotees from different parts of the State have gathered at the sacred site to offer prayers. The district administration has put in place arrangements to ensure smooth and safe Darshan for pilgrims. Security measures have also been strengthened to manage the heavy footfall.

“A special Besha of the Lord was carried out at midnight after the performance of Maha Arati ritual, and the temple was opened for Darshan, which will continue till the evening around 7.00 PM today. Following Marjana ritual, the process for raising the Mahadeepa atop the temple will begin,” chief priest of the shrine said to OTV.

There has been a heavy footfall of devotees coming from Chhattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana.

“I, along with my family, have come from Kondagaon district of Chhattisgarh. This is the first time that we have come here (to Gupteswar Temple),” a devotee expressed.

“I have been in the queue for the last three hours, but not facing any difficulty. The arrangements made here for Darshan are good,” another devotee stated.

Worth mentioning, on the auspicious occasion of Maha Shivratri, Shaivite temples across Odisha have come alive with vibrant devotion and spiritual fervour since the wee hours of today. Major Shaivite shrines in the State are witnessing an overwhelming turnout, with lakhs of devotees thronging the temples to offer prayers and take part in sacred rituals.