Cuttack: The Dhabaleswar shrine in Athagarh, Cuttack, witnessed a massive influx of devotees today, marking the last Monday of the holy Kartik month. Thousands of devotees gathered to offer prayers and perform the sacred ritual of Jalabhishek, a significant event in the Hindu calendar.
The Kartik month, considered highly auspicious, culminates with special prayers and rituals. Devotees began arriving at the shrine early in the morning, forming long queues to seek blessings from Lord Dhabaleswar. The temple authorities had made elaborate arrangements to manage the crowd and ensure a smooth darshan for all visitors.
The rituals commenced with the traditional Mangala Arati, followed by the ceremonial bath of the deity with 108 pitchers of water, symbolizing purification and devotion. The atmosphere was filled with chants and hymns as devotees performed Jalabhishek, pouring water over the deity as an act of reverence.
In addition to the religious activities, the district administration had deployed additional security and medical teams to handle the large gathering. Temporary shelters and drinking water facilities were set up to accommodate the devotees.
The last Monday of Kartik month holds special significance, as it is believed that prayers offered on this day bring immense blessings and fulfillment of wishes. The Dhabaleswar shrine, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is a prominent pilgrimage site in Odisha, attracting devotees from across the state and beyond.