Besides Haridwar, Dehradun’s famous Tapkeshwar Mahadev Temple also saw a large crowd of devotees since morning. Devotees from other states also arrived for darshan.
उत्तराखंड: महाशिवरात्रि पर हरिद्वार में आस्था का सैलाब
On the auspicious occasion of Mahashivratri, a wave of faith surged in Haridwar, the holy city of Uttarakhand. Long queues of devotees were seen outside major Shiva temples since early morning. Devotees, armed with Ganga water and worship materials, waited for their turn for the Jalabhishek, while the temple premises echoed with chants of “Bol Bam” and “Har Har Mahadev.”
Due to special astrological coincidences, the number of devotees is reported to be higher than usual this time.
Daksheshwar Mahadev Temple: Special devotion at ‘Baba’s in-laws’ place
Long queues formed at the Daksheshwar Mahadev Temple in Haridwar since early morning. The administration has made extensive arrangements for crowd management and security. Police forces are deployed in the temple premises and surrounding areas to ensure that devotees do not face any inconvenience.
Mahant Ravindra Puri, the temple priest, extended his best wishes to the nation and the state, stating that Mahashivratri, celebrated in the month of Phalgun, is considered one of the four important nights of the year. From a religious perspective, the Daksheshwar Mahadev Temple holds special significance, as it is considered the home of Lord Shiva’s in-laws and the birthplace of Goddess Sati.
He explained that after nearly 300 years, such a rare coincidence has occurred, when five planets are aligned in the Aquarius sign on Mahashivratri. It is believed that the wishes of devotees who worship with devotion and dedication on this auspicious occasion are fulfilled. According to him, this festival not only symbolizes the marriage of Shiva and Parvati, but also marks the union of nature and consciousness.
Crowds also gathered in Dehradun, special worship at Tapkeshwar Dham
In addition to Haridwar, Dehradun’s famous Tapkeshwar Mahadev Temple also witnessed a large crowd of devotees since morning. Devotees from other states also arrived for darshan.
The temple priest explained that India is the land of sages and gods, and Mahashivratri is one of the most important nights in the Sanatan tradition. Devotees have been offering water to Lord Shiva since morning.
The historical significance of the Tapkeshwar Mahadev Temple was also explained. It is believed that Sage Dronacharya performed rigorous penance here, and Lord Shiva appeared and blessed him with a son, Ashwatthama.
Prayagraj: 2.1 million devotees attend the final bath of the Magh Mela
The final bathing festival of the Magh Mela, being held in Prayagraj on the occasion of Mahashivratri, also became a major center of faith. By 10 a.m. on Sunday, 2.1 million devotees had taken a dip in the Ganga and Sangam.
According to Mela Authority officials, the influx of devotees continued since late night. District Magistrate Manish Kumar Verma stated that elaborate security arrangements have been made at all ghats.
Teams from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) are deployed. Boatmen and divers have also been deployed at the ghats. Adequate changing rooms have been provided for the convenience of devotees, and CCTV cameras and drones are being used for surveillance. Officials are continuously inspecting the fair area.
Focus on Security and Arrangements
This Mahashivratri festival witnessed a unique confluence of devotion and enthusiasm from Uttarakhand to Uttar Pradesh. While the ritual of Jalabhishek and prayers continued in temples, the administration prioritized crowd management and security arrangements.
Due to special astrological coincidences and religious beliefs, the enthusiasm for Mahashivratri was even greater this year. Devotees across the country were immersed in the worship of Lord Shiva, and an atmosphere of devotion prevailed throughout the day at temples and ghats.





