The unique and scenic hill of Kapilash is now in all set to celebrate the Mahasivaratri and Jagar Mela with all religious fervour and gaiety on Tuesday. Kapila Samhita describes Kapilash as one among the five holy shrines in Odisha. According to a legend, lord Siva appeared at Kapilash because of severe penance of king Saudasha. Ever since, Kapilash is counted as one of the famous Saivite centres and the Mahasivaratri is being observed on the hill.
Shiva, known as lord Chandra Sekhar in the hill shrine, is worshipped with a set of rituals, including a Sodasa Upachara Puja and Maha Rudra Aviseka. Amidst blowing of conch, traditional wind instruments and ululations, a Mahadeepa is raised atop of the shrine. Awakening lord Chandra Sekhar from his cosmic sleep forms a part of the rituals. The lord is attired in Nagavarana besha on the occasion. The unique part of the festivities is the meeting of lord Chandra Sekhar and lord Narayana, known as the Harihara Bheta. linga and Shakti are covered with Banarashi Pata, bel leaf and flowers.
Maha Siva Ratri is also popularly known as Jagara Yatra Mela, as countless devotees throng the holy shrine to illuminate lamps throughout the night. The history of Dhenkanal reveals that lord Chandra Sekhar was earlier worshipped as Sikhareswar. Gangavansi prince Ananga Bhima Deva being directed by lord Jagannath in a divine dream surrendered before the linga at Kapilash to be released from sin. The prince first traced the linga covered with bel leaves. later Gangavansi king languda Narasinghdev erected the 60 foot high temple of lord Chandra Sekhar on April 30, 1246 on the hill top at an altitude of 547 meters from the foot hill. Subsequently, Kasi Biswanath temple, Narayan temple, Gauri temple, Jaga Mohana, Mani Karnika Kunda, Papanasini Kunda, and twelve curved roads were constructed by the royal family of Dhenkanal.