Bhubaneswar, February 15: Devotees thronged temples across the State to pay obeisance to Lord Shiva on Mahashivratri on Sunday.

The devotees observed day-long fast and performed abhishek of Lord Shiva.

According to reports, heavy footfall of devotees has been witnessed in several prominent shiva shrines - Lingaraj Temple in Bhubaneswar, Loknath Temple in Puri, Dhabaleswar Temple in Athagarh of Cuttack district, Kapilash.

Religious events have been organsied in the temples on the auspicious occasion with special prayers.

Devotees were seen standing in long queues in several temples, including the revered Lingaraj Temple in Bhubaneswar, to offer prayers.

The capital city of Bhubaneswar also reverberated with chants of ‘Om Namah Shivay' as the devotees started queueing before the temples since early this morning to offer prayers to Lord Shiva on the occasion of Mahashivratri on Sunday.

Special arrangements have been made in the temples, including the Lingaraj Temple for the day. Mahadeep will be lifted atop the Lingaraj temple at around 10 PM tonight.

Mahashivratri, celebrated across India with great devotion, marks the divine union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Devotees observe fasts, offer prayers, and participate in night-long vigils to seek the deity's blessings.

According to Hindu mythology, on the night of their wedding, Lord Shiva was escorted to Goddess Parvati's house by a diverse group of Hindu gods, goddesses, animals, and demons. The Shiva-Shakti duo is considered the epitome of love, power, and togetherness.

The festival marking their sacred union, Maha Shivratri, is celebrated with great devotion and enthusiasm across India.

Police administration has made elaborate security arrangement at major Shiva Shrines for smooth darshan of the devotees and maintain law and order.