Maha Shivratri 2025: Grand celebrations, rituals, and devotee gatherings across Odisha

Bhubaneswar: On the auspicious occasion of Maha Shivratri 2025 today, devotees thronged Lord Shiva temples across Odisha to seek blessings of the Lord and offered prayers. The atmosphere resonated with chants of “Har Har Mahadev” and “Om Namah Shivaya” as temples witnessed a sea of devotees.

From the revered Lingaraj Temple in Bhubaneswar to Lokanath in Puri, Dhabaleshwar in Athagarh, and Kapilash in Dhenkanal, celebrations were marked by grandeur and devotion. The iconic Lingaraj Temple in the capital city was magnificently decorated for the grand festivities. Devotees gathered in large numbers for the sacred rituals, which commenced with the ‘Dwarafita’ ceremony at 3:30 AM. This was followed by the Mangala Arati and Abakash rituals, ensuring an early start to the divine proceedings. Temple authorities organized a structured schedule allowing devotees to offer prayers and seek Lord Lingaraj’s blessings until 11 AM.

A key highlight of the Maha Shivratri celebrations is the ‘Maha Deepa’ ritual, for which elaborate preparations have been made. According to temple authorities, the ‘Maha Deepa’ will be raised atop the temple at 10 PM, symbolizing divine illumination and spiritual awakening.

Samar Swain, a devotee present at the Lingaraj Temple, expressed his deep faith and enthusiasm, stating, “Maha Shivratri is the most important day of the year for me. I have been fasting since morning and will stay up all night chanting Shiva’s name. The atmosphere here at Lingaraj Temple is truly divine.”

Apart from Lingaraj Temple, several other prominent Shiva temples in Odisha, including Harishankar in Balangir, Kapilash in Dhenkanal, Akhandalamani in Aradi, and Gupteshwar in Koraput, witnessed an overwhelming turnout of devotees. At the Dhabaleshwar Peetha in Athagarh, Lord Dhabaleshwar was adorned in majestic ‘Badasinghara’ attire, decorated beautifully with fragrant Ketaki flowers.

Considering the massive footfall, security arrangements were significantly heightened at all major temple sites. At Lingaraj Temple, in particular, stringent measures were implemented to ensure smooth crowd management. Deputy Commissioners of Police (DCPs) Jagmohan Minna and Pinak Mishra were deployed to oversee security arrangements. Additionally, 48 platoons of police force were stationed to maintain law and order, ensuring the safety of all devotees.

Prominent leaders extended their heartfelt wishes to the people of Odisha on this sacred occasion. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi took to his official ‘X’ handle to convey his greetings, stating, “Heartiest greetings and best wishes to all on the auspicious occasion of Mahashivratri and Jagar. May everyone’s life be filled with happiness and peace due to the immense mercy of Mahadev. #Mahashibaratri.”

Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik also extended his greetings, posting, “Warm greetings on the auspicious occasion of Maha Shivaratri (Jagar Amavasya). May the blessings of Mahadev grace everyone’s life. Om Namah Shivaya.”

Deputy CM Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo shared his wishes, writing, “On the auspicious occasion of Maha Shivratri, I bow to Lord Shiva, the destroyer of darkness and the harbinger of wisdom. May Mahadev’s divine blessings bring strength, peace, and prosperity to all. May his grace guide us on the path of righteousness and devotion. Wishing everyone a blissful and spiritually enriching Maha Shivratri! Har Har Mahadev!”