Bhubaneswar, Feb 26 (Reporter) Lakhs of devotees thronged Shiva temples across Odisha on Wednesday to observe the auspicious occasion of Maha Shivaratri, popularly known as “Jagar Amabasya.” The festival, dedicated to Lord Shiva, was observed in all Shiva temples with great fervor and religious gaiety. Since early morning, a large number of devotees were seen standing in long queues for hours before major Shiva temples across the state, carrying holy water, flowers, and bel leaves to offer prayers to Lord Shiva. Heavy rush of devotees was reported at major Shiva temples such as Loknath Temple in Puri, Lingaraj Temple in Bhubaneswar, Dhabaleswar Temple in Cuttack, Kapilash Temple in Dhenkanal, Gupteswar Temple in Koraput, Chandaneswar Temple in Balasore, Akhandalamani Temple in Bhadrak, and Nrusinghanath Temple in Balangir. The district administration in these places had made elaborate security arrangements and set up barricades to ensure a smooth darshan for devotees. The pilgrim town of Puri witnessed a massive influx of devotees at Loknath Temple, Bali Kapileshwar, Beleswar, Jodalinga, Bhabakundaleswar, and several other Shiva shrines in the district. Most Shiva temples were given a new look and illuminated for the occasion. Bhajan programs were also organized as part of the celebrations. As per tradition, devotees in large numbers stayed inside the temples, lighting diyas in the temple compound and keeping vigil throughout the night to ensure the lamps remained lit until morning. At night, a special group of servitors lifted the Maha Dipa (a huge earthen lamp) to the top of the temple. Devotees observing a fast on this day broke it only after the Maha Dipa was placed atop the Shiva temple. Heavy police deployment was made at important Shiva shrines across the state, and CCTV cameras were installed to control the crowd and monitor anti-social activities. Reports indicated that since early morning, devotees were seen standing in queues in front of famous Shiva temples across the state to offer holy water, flowers, and bel leaves on the Shiva Lingam. Approximately 40 platoons of police forces were deployed in Bhubaneswar to manage the huge congregation of devotees...////...