Bhubaneswar, Feb 15: Mahdipa, the divine lamp that marked the Maha Shiva Ratri on Sunday, was lifted atop the Lingaraj Temple, Bhubaneswar ahead of schedule.

While the ritual was scheduled to be performed by 10.30 PM, the Maha Shiva Ratri 2026 was concluded at almost 8.30 PM, said sources.

Thousands of devotees broke their day-long fast after the sacred ‘Mahadipa’ was candled and put atop the Lingaraj Temple amid thousands of devotees.

Following the Bedha Parikrama rituals wherein the servitors move around the temple, the holy lamp was lit with chanting Shiva Stotram & Shiva Astaka Mantra and was carried atop the the 16th-century Shaivite shrine in the Ekamra City. Finally the gigantic lamp was place atop the shrine, with prayers that literally mean “May the divine light enlighten the pathways before the mankind to live happily with no sin and sufferings.

With the pivotal ritual, the devotees gathered there broke their day-long fast that was rightly dedicated to Lord Shiva, to fulfil their prayers.

Apart from the Lingaraj shrime, the festival was observed in all Shaiva Peethas across the State with religious fervour.

The Lingaraj Temple in Bhubaneswar, witnessed a significant influx of devotees in the evening, for the spectacular lifting of Mahadipa atop the temple. Elaborate arrangements were made available here for smooth conduct of the customary rituals and to facilitate ease darshan of the visitors.