Amid stringent security arrangements, thousands of devotees on Monday paid obeisance to lord Shiva at world famous Mahakaleshwar temple on the occasion of Mahashivratri in this ancient temple town. According to an office-bearer of the temple management, the administration enhanced the security in view of Simhastha Mahakumbh Mela beginning on April 22.
The temple management also arranged adequate arrangement for smooth and prompt view of lord Shiva. However, entry into the sanctum sanctorum has been banned till Tuesday.
The temple management had arranged a marathon 44-hour visit for devotees which had begun at 2300 hrs last night. A huge flower Sehra adorned the linga and for this the Bhasmma aarti would be held at 1200 hrs, instead of 0400 hrs in the morning. Besides, the lord would be decorated with jewelleries of gold and silver worth crores.
District Collector Kavindra Kiyawat performed puja at the temple in the afternoon. He was accompanied by his wife Jaishri Kiyawat and Additional DG V Madhukumar, Superintendent of Police (SP) MS Verma with their families.The temple was also illuminated attractively in view of Mahashivratri, the sources said, adding that senior officials, including Collector Kavindra Kiyawat, were present in the temple premises till late night.
The devotees who visited the temple on Monday lauded the arrangements as this time they were able to offer prayers without delay. They stated that similar arrangements are needed during Simhastha so that people would have holy dip in Kshipra River without hassle.