Lucknow, February 26: Devotees across Uttar Pradesh gathered in large numbers at Shiva temples to offer prayers in celebration of Mahashivratri on Wednesday.
In Varanasi, a grand early morning procession was led by 'naga sadhus' and 'akharas' to the Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple. The temple had been beautifully decorated with lights and flowers since Tuesday evening in preparation for the event. The procession featured Mahamandaleshwars from various 'akharas' atop royal chariots, while sadhus carrying tridents, maces, and swords performed 'jalabhishek,' filling the air with chants of 'Har Har Mahadev.'
At Shakti Mandir in Gorakshapeeth, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath performed 'rudrabhishek,' a sacred ritual conducted by priests and Vedpathi Brahmins, amid religious chants. Later, the CM also participated in havan and aarti. In his address to the media in Gorakhpur, Adityanath extended his greetings to the devotees, stating, "Dev Adi Dev Mahadev is the God of welfare, and everything runs by His grace."
The Chief Minister further mentioned the millions of devotees visiting Prayagraj, Varanasi, and other temples nationwide, noting that this collective faith symbolizes India's unity. "I bow to this faith," he added. As per a government statement, Adityanath had visited the Shiva temple within the Gorakhnath temple complex.
In Prayagraj, lakhs of devotees took a holy dip at the Triveni Sangam on Mahashivratri, which also marked the final day of the ongoing Maha Kumbh.
Meanwhile, prayers were held at the recently reopened Kartikeya Mahadev Temple in Sambhal, which had been closed for 46 years since the riots in 1978. The temple attracted a large crowd of devotees from Sambhal and surrounding areas, who offered 'kanwar' and performed 'jalabhishek.'
In Aligarh, thousands of 'kanwariyas' and devotees gathered at Siddhpeeth Khereshwar Dham Mahadev Temple for 'jalabhishek' while chanting 'Om Namah Shivay.' The administration ensured smooth access to the temple for the large crowds.
Raebareli also witnessed long queues at Shiva temples, with devotees chanting 'Har Har Mahadev.' In Kanpur, millions visited the Baba Anandeshwar Temple, known as the "Choti Kashi of Kanpur," a revered site with historical ties to the Mahabharata. Devotees offered Ganga water and 'bel' leaves to the 'shivling.'
Similar scenes of devotion were witnessed in the state capital, Lucknow, where long lines formed outside Shiva temples as people waited to offer their prayers.
