Devotees thronged Shiva temples across the state from early Sunday morning on the occasion of Mahashivratri. Chants of Har Har Mahadev and Om Namah Shivaya echoed through the shrines as devotees gathered for darshan and worship. At Hateshwar Nath Temple on the Kharun River bank in Raipur, devotees arrived from afar, and stood in queues since 3 a.m., offering water and belpatra and chanting shiv stuthis. In Bhoramdev Temple, a sea of devotees surged since morning for Lord Bholenath’s darshan and jalabhishek. The premises reverberated with Har Har Mahadev as worshippers fasted and offered belpatra, dhatura, and Ganga jal for prosperity. Known as Chhattisgarh’s Prayagraj, Rajim’s famous Baba Kuleshwar Nath Mahadev Temple saw devotees from 3 a.m. for jalabhishek and pooja.

 

Legend holds that Sita created the Shivling at the Triveni Sangam during exile; the site drew several thousands of devotees on the occasion, marking the finale of the 15-day Rajim Kumbh Kalp. At self-manifested Bhuteshwar Nath Dham in Gariaband’s Maroda forests once called Girivan pilgrims arrived steadily for darshan, pooja, and jalabhishek of the world’s largest swayambhu Shivling. Tight security ensured smooth all-day proceedings. In Janjgir-Champa’s “Kashi” Kharod, huge number of devotees queued overnight at Laxmaneswar Temple for the unique Shivling with 1.25 lakh holes. Devotees poured water, milk, and offered 1.25 lakh rice grains; faith holds that a mere glimpse fulfills wishes.