Puri, Feb 13: Today marks the auspicious Pankoddhara Ekadashi, a day of great religious significance at the Shri Loknath Temple, Puri. To manage the large crowd of devotees, the district administration has set up barricades, and special arrangements for security have been made. The temple doors will be opened from midnight, and the Pankoddhara ritual began at 4:00 am.
This special day also ushers in the Mahashivaratri festival, with the ‘Jagatmangal Deep’ being lit for three days continuouly, beginning today.
According to the temple authorities, Pankoddhara Ekadashi holds special importance at the Shri Loknath Temple, attracting a large number of devotees who gather for various rituals and offerings. The auspicious ritual will include the Pankoddhara (holy water offering) followed by the Magha Snan which will take place by 8:00 am. After the completion of the ritual, the public will be allowed for Darshan of the deity.
The offerings of bel leaves, flowers, fruits, gold, silver, and Nivedya (food offerings) that have been collected over the year will be offered. This day allows devotees to witness the complete ‘Linga Darshan’ of Lord Loknath, a privilege granted once a year. The temple is famed for its association with Lord Ramachandra, who is believed to have established the temple as per local legends.
It is widely believed that offering prayers and performing Shivaling Puja on this day brings immense spiritual rewards. Devotees believe that the blessings of Lord Loknath on Pankoddhara Ekadashi are equivalent to performing the Puja of Shiva Ling itself, as both are considered equally auspicious.
To ensure the safety of the large crowd, additional security measures have been put in place. The authorities have deployed one additional Superintendent of Police (SP), seven Deputy SPs, sixteen Inspectors, and seven platoons of police forces for crowd management and security.
The temple authorities urge all devotees to follow the safety guidelines and participate in the rituals with reverence, as they join in the worship and celebration of this sacred occasion.
