Balasore: With the festival of Maha Shivratri fast approaching, hectic preparations are underway at the temples of Lord Shiva across Odisha.
Ahead of the festival to be observed on February 26, the management of Bhusendeshwar temple at Bhograi in Balasore district has planned to get the shrine illuminated with one lakh lamps.
Members of the temple trust told reporters that elaborate arrangements have been made for Maha Shivratri this time and at least one lakh lamps would be lit by devotees at the shrine on the occasion.
Stating that over 50,000 devotees are expected to throng the temple on the occasion, they said a number of cultural programmes will also be organised by the temple administration on Maha Shivratri.
The festival, which celebrates the divine union of Shiva and Shakti, will be observed on February 26 with special puja being performed across temples.
According to Hindu mythology, Lord Shiva married Maa Shakti, his divine consort, for a second time on this night. While Lord Shiva signifies Purusha, which is mindfulness, Maa Parvati signifies Prakriti, which is nature. The union of this consciousness and energy promotes creation. Another legend says that Lord Shiva was incarnated as Lord Rudra during the midnight of Maha Shivaratri during the creation of the universe with the grace of Lord Brahma.
