Thiruvananthapuram, February 15 Devotees flocked to Shiva temples across Kerala on Sunday to observe Mahashivaratri, with major shrines experiencing a massive influx since early morning.
Elaborate arrangements were made in major temples to accommodate the surge.
Long queues were seen from early morning at the Sreekandeswaram Mahadeva Temple, the Chenkal Maheswaram Shiva Parvathi Temple, the Vadakkunnathan Temple, the Aluva Mahadeva Temple, the Vaikom Mahadeva Temple, and others, as devotees gathered for special prayers and rituals.
At Aluva, thousands assembled on the banks of the Periyar river to perform 'Balitharppanam', the ritual offering to ancestors considered significant on Shivaratri.
Temporary platforms were erected along the riverbanks, and additional priests were engaged to facilitate the smooth conduct of rituals.
Several devotees performed the 'samooha ponkala' ritual at the Chenkal temple here on the occasion.
Temple authorities and devaswom boards made extensive arrangements, including crowd management systems, additional counters for offerings, and enhanced lighting, to facilitate smooth darshan.
Police personnel were deployed in and around major shrines to regulate traffic and ensure safety.
In keeping with tradition, many devotees observed day-long fasts and remained awake throughout the night, participating in bhajans and cultural programmes organized on temple premises.
Devotees of all ages and genders participated in the midnight rituals held at various shrines.
Mahashivaratri, one of the most important festivals dedicated to Lord Shiva, is marked by prayers, fasting, and night-long worship across the state every year.
