Tiruchirappalli, Feb. 26 -- On the auspicious occasion of Maha Shivaratri, the Koothaippar Mahakaleeswari Temple near Thiruverumbur in Trichy district witnessed a grand 'abhishekam' (anointing) for its towering 61-feet Shiva Lingam.

Devotees from far and wide gathered in large numbers to participate in the sacred rituals, offer prayers, and seek Lord Shiva's divine blessings.

The ritual was conducted with 1,000 litres of milk and 12 types of offerings, including arugampul (Bermuda grass), nellimulli (Indian gooseberry), villa powder, rose water, sandalwood, turmeric, and kumkum. Following the abhishekam, the Lingam was draped in a sacred cloth, and a grand Maha Deeparadhana (lighting lamps) took place.

The Maha Shivaratri, also known a...