Paradip: All temples across the nation are observing ‘Maha Shivaratri’ with religious fervour Monday. Flowers, coconut water, bel leaves and prasad are being offered to the Lord in all Shiva temples across the nation.
A temple at Paradip, dedicated to Lord Shiva, however bears a deserted look on this auspicious day.
For four years now, this temple has not seen worship, let alone the observance of Maha Shivaratri.
There was a time when devotees used to throng this temple at old CISF complex near Nehru Bungalow. At least Mondays and on Maha Shivaratri, devotees thronged this temple in large numbers. From 1970 to 2016, all rituals were performed religiously.
However, local residents lament the expansion of Paradip port which has affected the temple and devotees are unable to offer prayers in the present day.
Keeping pace with rapid industrialisation, the port was expanded and the complex with residential establishment was moved to Shandha Kuda.
The contractual firm demolished all the houses and shipping cargos have taken their place instead.
The demography of the place has since changed beyond recognition; the temple was spared due to its religious sentiments attached with the people, however since 2016 no one could reach the temple for worships, only a memory of the bygone days remain in the hearts and prayers. The temple’s sanctum sanctorum, the Shiva linga, is left unworshipped and unattended.
“We feel sad that Lord Shiva is not being worshipped at the temple which we had frequented so often in the past is not in our sight as we have been shifted from that place,” locals added.
PNN
