Devotees Flock to Jyotirlinga Shrines for Mahashivratri

Thousands gathered at Maharashtra's Jyotirlinga shrines for Mahashivratri, with Grishneshwar Temple anticipating four lakh visitors. A significant security detail was set up for crowd management. Meanwhile, other notable temples like Parli Vaijnath and Aundha Nagnath also saw large gatherings, with special arrangements for amenities and celebrations.

Thousands of devotees descended upon Maharashtra's Jyotirlinga shrines on Sunday to mark the auspicious occasion of Mahashivratri. The massive gathering, highlighted by the four lakh expected visitors at Grishneshwar Temple, necessitated a comprehensive security initiative with 450 officers deployed for efficient crowd management.

As night-long prayers are a hallmark of the festival, Grishneshwar Temple announced it would remain open continuously for worshippers, creating additional parking a kilometer away to accommodate the influx. Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar rural police coordinated the security measures, ensuring the festive spirit remained uninterrupted.

Similar scenes unfolded at the Parli Vaijnath Temple in Beed and Aundha Nagnath Temple in Hingoli, both significant Jyotirlinga sites. Police forces in Beed and Hingoli, bolstered by officers and home guards, ensured safety and smooth operations. Additionally, a special drone show added to the grandeur at Aundha Nagnath, as devotees upheld traditions through fasting and night-long worship.

(With inputs from agencies.)