Bhubaneswar, Feb. 15 -- The chants of 'Om Namah Shivaya' echo across Odisha as the state immerses itself in deep devotion on the occasion of Maha Shivratri. From the sacred Lingaraj Temple in Bhubaneswar to Kapilash Temple, thousands of devotees have gathered to offer prayers and observe the holy night dedicated to Lord Shiva.

At Lingaraj Temple, serpentine queues of devotees stretch for hours as worshippers light lamps and chant the Panchakshari mantra. The sacred 'Mahadipa' atop the temple is scheduled to be raised at 10 pm, followed by 'Sahanamela' darshan till 11 pm. The 'Harihara Bheta' ritual will take place between 4 am and 5 am, culminating in the 'Badasinghara Besha' at dawn. Fasting devotees wait patiently through the night, pa...