Bhubaneswar, Mar 8: Shiva temples across Odisha today witnessed a massive turnout of devotees on the occasion of Maha Shivratri.
Lakhs of devotees formed beeline at various Shiva temples early in the morning to have darshan of the deity on the auspicious day.
For smooth celebration of the festival, special arrangements for the devotees have been made at various Shiva temples in the state including Lingaraj Temple in Bhubaneswar, Dhabaleswar Temple in Cuttack, Akhandalamani Temple in Bhadrak, Kapilash in Dhenkanal, and Lokanath Temple in Puri.
The authorities of Shree Lingaraj Temple Administration have informed that the Mahadeepa will be ceremoniously lifted atop the temple at 10 pm, followed by the solemn rituals of Sahanamela and Chariprahara.
Notably, Maha Shivratri falls on the Chaturdashi Tithi of the Krishna Paksha in the Odia month of Falgun. Devotees observe Maha Shivratri vrat by fasting.
