Amid tight security and religious fervour, thousands of devotees, a majority of them observing fast, made a beeline to have a glimpse of lord Shiva at the lingaraj temple on Tuesday on the occasion of the Maha Shivaratri. The devotees broke their day-long fast after witnessing the Maha Deepa reach to the top of the temple at the scheduled time.
The devotees had lined up since 4 am to have darshan of the lord. There was a long queue of 2 km in front of the temple during the Sahanamela Darshan. The devotees waited patiently till their turn came to light their lamps and perform the puja. The temple premises was elaborately decorated with flowers and electric lights.
A Bhajan Samarosh was also organsied at the Bhajan Khala where various renowned artists enthraled the audience with songs. For the smooth arrival and exit of the devotees in the temple, barricades were put up and elaborate security arrangements were put in place in and around the temple premises.
The devotees were also seen having stood in long queues in front of other Shiva shrines of the city. To keep a watch on anti-social elements, eve-teasers and pick pockets, the Commissionerate police installed CCTV cameras in and around the lingaraj temple. That apart, police personnel in uniform and civil dress were deployed.