BHUBANESWAR: On the sacred occasion of Maha Shivratri, lakhs of devotees flooded Odisha’s iconic Shiva temples on Sunday, immersing themselves in fervent worship and ancient rituals. The air was thick with devotion as crowds gathered from dawn till late into the night, particularly for the mesmerizing Mahadipa ceremony where massive sacred lamps are lit atop temple spires.
Key shrines like the majestic Lingaraj Temple in Bhubaneswar, Lokanath Temple in Puri, Chandrashekhara Temple at Kapilash in Dhenkanal, and Dhabaleshwar Temple in Athagarh, Cuttack, saw unprecedented footfalls. Devotees queued patiently, chanting ‘Har Har Mahadev’ while offering prayers to Lord Shiva, the destroyer of evil.
As the day progressed, the influx swelled dramatically. Thousands specifically arrived for the midnight Mahadipa ritual, a highlight where enormous earthen lamps illuminate the night sky, symbolizing divine light conquering darkness. Temples were adorned with vibrant flowers, marigolds, and bilva leaves, creating a kaleidoscope of colors against the flickering glow of thousands of diyas.
The atmosphere turned profoundly spiritual, with bhajans echoing through the premises and the scent of incense mingling with the chants. Temple authorities had meticulously planned crowd management, deploying extra staff, water stations, and medical aid to ensure smooth darshan for all, including pilgrims from neighboring states.
Security was airtight, with police deploying personnel and temporarily banning drones around major sites to prevent any disruptions. At Lingaraj Temple, the Mahadipa was lit around 10 PM, drawing gasps of awe from the massive gathering below.
Minor hiccups arose when some priests at Chandrashekhara and Lingaraj temples protested police conduct, briefly halting rituals. Swift negotiations between temple management, priests, and officials restored normalcy, allowing celebrations to continue uninterrupted.
Maha Shivratri in Odisha isn’t just a festival; it’s a testament to unwavering faith, uniting communities in a shared spiritual journey that reaffirms cultural roots amid modern life.