Daijiworld Media Network- Bengaluru
Bengaluru, Feb 26: Maha Shivratri was celebrated with immense devotion across Karnataka, with thousands of devotees visiting historic Shiva temples to offer prayers and seek blessings. Temples across the state were beautifully adorned with flowers, while devotees lined up for ‘darshan’ and special rituals.
Many households were decorated with garlands, and families observed the occasion with traditional prayers and fasting. Special festive delicacies such as ‘tambittu’ and ‘ellu unde’ were prepared, adding to the spiritual fervour of the day.
In Bengaluru, devotees gathered in large numbers at the 17th-century Kadu Malleshwara Temple in Malleshwaram, one of the city's oldest temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple, known for its unique Nandi statue through which water flows onto the Shiva Linga, witnessed a sea of worshippers from early morning.
The Shivoham Shiva Temple on Airport Road, housing a magnificent 65-foot-tall Shiva statue, saw devotees queueing up for over a kilometre. The temple’s grand entrance, featuring a 25-foot-tall Shiva Lingam, became a focal point of spiritual activity.
The Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple, a 16th-century cave temple in Chamarajpet, also drew thousands of devotees. This temple is famed for its unique astronomical event during Makar Sankranti when sunlight passes through an arc between Nandi’s horns, illuminating the Shiva Linga inside the cave.
The police department made elaborate security arrangements across Bengaluru and other major cities, as temples remained open throughout the night to accommodate devotees.
At the art of living centre, devotees gathered to witness the relics of the original Somnath Jyotirlinga, believed to date back to the destruction of the Somnath Temple in 1026 CE by Mahmud of Ghazni. The sacred fragments have been preserved at the ashram, drawing thousands of visitors on Maha Shivratri.
Additionally, devotees flocked to Sadguru Sannidhi in Chikkaballapur to seek the blessings of Adiyogi and Yogeshwar Linga, adding to the spiritual fervour of the occasion.
Extending his greetings, BJP State president B Y Vijayendra said, "Heartfelt greetings to all on the occasion of Mahashivaratri! May Lord Shiva bless everyone with happiness, peace, and prosperity."
With an overwhelming turnout at temples across Karnataka, Maha Shivratri was observed with great enthusiasm, reinforcing the deep-rooted devotion of the people towards Lord Shiva.