Worldly abodes of lord Shiva at various temples in the city were abuzz with pilgrims on the occasion of ‘Mahashivratri’.
Of all the shrines, Pahari Mandir located in heart of the state capital recorded the maximum footfall, as devotees queued up to offer prayers since early morning. Other smaller shrines and temples located at distant places, too, saw big queues.
At Pahari Mandir, the line almost stretched covering approximately two kilometres. However, the arrangement made by the temple management personnel with the help of the district administration regulated the crowds to a certain extent.
Deputation of police personnel at strategic locations all equipped with essential mobile equipments was ensured to prevent any untoward incident and maintain peace on the auspicious occasion.
According to Mohan Pathak, a priest of one of the local temples in Harmu colony, “Nearly 25 thousand devotees visit the temple on the occasion of Shivratri. It becomes difficult to manage the crowd. The temple is converted into carnival in evening when special ‘Mahaarti’ and ‘Shringar’ are performed.”
Huge rush was witnessed at streets on Monday. Denizens gathered to watch the popular ritual of ‘Shiv Baraat’ where unique mythological facets of Shiv-Parvati wedding rituals were performed which mesmerized visitors and by-standers. The processions which initiated from Pahari Mandir passed through different locations before reaching its destination.
The solemnizing marriage customs during the ‘Shiv Baraat’ were performed by priests to make the audiences realize the true meaning of love and devotion. Every year, ‘Shiv Baraat’ procession is carried out in the city with utmost zeal and enthusiasm.
“Artists dressed in legendary characters give us the real feel. Moreover, the rituals and other related activities carried out during the entire processions enchant us during the occasion. ‘Shiv Bharat’ is something which one cannot afford to miss,” said Maanvi Chandel, a local resident.