Post News Network
Bhubaneswar: Thousands of devotees from across the state thronged the 11th century Lingaraj temple to offer prayers on the occasion of Maha Shivaratri here Monday.
Outside the main gate of the temple Monday morning, the queue of devotees, who came to attend the ‘mangala arati’ ritual that marks the beginning of Shivaratri, stretched to over two kilometres.
On the auspicious day, the temple authorities had special arrangements in place to ensure a hassle-free ‘darshan’.
“We made special arrangements for rituals like ‘mangala arati’, ‘sahana mela darshsan’ and ‘mahadeepa’ to ensure no jostling takes place inside the temple premises. Specific slots were fixed for the different rituals,” Raj Kishore Mohapatra, supervisor, Lingaraj Temple, said.
Commissionerate Police left no stone unturned to ensure the security of devotees. Measures were in place to check untoward incidents like violence and theft within the temple premises.
A police official said: “As a large number of devotees were expected to arrive, special security arrangements were in place. Traffic regulations, too, were imposed at four strategic spots around the temple. Two-wheelers and four-wheelers were not allowed near the temple. Police personnel in plain clothes were stationed inside the temple to keep eye on mischievous elements.”
Barricades were in place in and outside the temple to ensure that devotees could not jump the queue. Such incidents have led to skirmishes in the past.
As the day wore on, the number of devotees surged. “I am one of the many devotees waiting in the queue to offer prayers since morning. I am waiting for Bholanath’s ‘dashan’ and will eagerly seek His blessings,” Santosh Kumar Jena, a devotee, said.
Maha Shivaratri falls on the 13th or 14th day of the Hindu month of Phalgun. Phalgun Amavasya Monday marked the holy occasion.
Devotees observe a fast and ardently pray for the wellbeing of near and dear ones on the day.
“I have been keeping a fast on this day for the past 10 years. I will pray to the Lord for a peaceful and blissful life. My husband also keeps a fast,” said Sharmista Rout, a devotee who was spotted standing in the queue outside the temple.
Other Shiva temples in the state capital witnessed a rush of devotees throughout the day.