Spiritual Fervor Marks Mahashivratri: Devotees Unite in Uttar Pradesh Temples

Devotees flooded Shiva temples in Uttar Pradesh for Mahashivratri. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath led prayers at Goraknath Temple. At Kashi Vishwanath Dham, arrangements were made for up to 15 lakh visitors. Offerings came from global temples, marking this spiritual event as a worldwide confluence of devotion.

Thousands of devotees thronged Shiva temples across Uttar Pradesh, immersing themselves in prayer for Mahashivratri, a festival marking the divine union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath joined the religious fervor by performing the `Rudraabhishek` at Goraknath Temple.

At the heart of the celebrations, Kashi Vishwanath Dham in Varanasi anticipated between 10 to 15 lakh devotees. Bhushan Mishra, CEO of the temple, highlighted extensive arrangements for the influx, including zig-zag barricades for crowd control and a help desk to assist visitors.

The festival's global reach was evident with offerings from 62 international temples. Meanwhile, in Barabanki district, Lodheshwar Mahadev saw a rush of 2.5 lakh worshippers, amidst chants and incense. Across Uttar Pradesh, temples like Mankameshwar and Bhuteshwar witnessed devotees partaking in centuries-old rituals.

(With inputs from agencies.)