A woman offers ghee to a gigantic diya at the Astasambu temple in Cuttack. Picture by Badrika Nath Das

Cuttack, March 2: A 70-kg diya at Astashambu temple was the centre of attraction in the city on the occasion of Mahashivratri today. Earthen lamps lit at various temples across town this evening will burn all night amid hypnotic chants of Vedic hymns.

Devotees in droves made a beeline for Shiva temples such as Amareshwar, Akhandalmani, Astashambu, Sidheswar and Hateskeswar from early morning to perform special puja on the auspicious occasion. Even rising prices of fruits could not keep spirits from soaring.

According to Hindu belief, a devotee who sincerely worships Lord Shiva on this day is absolved of sins and attains salvation. It was the gigantic diya at Astashambu temple in Chandini Chouk that was the centre of attraction.

“We wanted to do something unique and so, decided to light the biggest earthen diya in the temple. Two quintals of ghee were poured into the diya which will burn all night,” said Krushna Chandra Dalei (62), member of the temple trust board.

The diya weighs approximately 70kg. It took artisan Surendra Nath Behera of Bidanasi Kumbhar Sahi around 20 days to make the diya which also has a Shivalinga. The diya was sold to the temple for Rs 5,000.

“Mahashivaratri holds religious significance. It gives me satisfaction to be able to participate in the puja that is being performed in all Shiva temples in the city,” said Gopal Krushna Sahoo, a devotee.

Married and unmarried women also observe a fast to appease goddess Parvati, or Gauri, one who bestows marital bliss and a long and prosperous married life.

Unmarried women also pray for a husband like Lord Shiva who many believe personifies the ideal husband.

“Since childhood we have been keeping a fast on Mahashivratri and we are happy that despite the influence of western culture, the younger generation is following in our footsteps,” said Bilasini Nayak, a homemaker.

Nayak said devotees usually break their fast after the mahadeep (main earthen lamp) is lit on the temple spire. The lamp is usually lit at night and devotees pray all night long.

Hike in the prices of fruits on the occasion of Shivaratri caused some devotees to crib as they tried their best to bargain with traders. “The price of fruits essential for various puja usually rise in the festive season. We can’t help that; we have to buy the fruits according to our budget,” said Surendra Biswal, a devotee.

Meanwhile, elaborate security arrangements were made by police for the smooth conduct of rituals at various temples in the city.