Massive devotee turnout at Shiva temples nationwide on Mahashivratri

February 15, 2026

New Delhi: Mahashivratri was observed with deep devotion and spiritual enthusiasm across the country as lakhs of devotees gathered at prominent Shiva temples from the early hours of the morning. Long queues, special rituals, night-long prayers and holy dips marked the auspicious occasion nationwide.

Authorities made elaborate security and administrative arrangements to ensure smooth darshan and effective crowd management at key pilgrimage centres.

Lakhs Offer Prayers at Baba Baidyanath Dham in Jharkhand

In Jharkhand, massive crowds assembled at Baba Baidyanath Dham, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, to offer prayers at the revered Baba Baidyanath Jyotirlinga Temple.

Devotees began queuing up from early morning for darshan. Priests highlighted that Mahashivratri marks the divine wedding of Baba Baidyanath and Mata Parvati, with a grand night procession drawing lakhs of worshippers every year.

Special Rituals at Aundha Nagnath Temple in Maharashtra

In Maharashtra, devotees thronged the historic Aundha Nagnath Temple to seek blessings of Lord Nageshwar and participate in special Mahashivratri rituals performed throughout the day and night.

Holy Dip at Sangam Ghats in Prayagraj

In Uttar Pradesh, large crowds gathered at the Sangam ghats in Prayagraj for the final bathing day of the Magh Mela, which coincided with Mahashivratri. Nearly 10 lakh devotees took the holy dip since the previous night, officials confirmed.

Devotees Flock to Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi

Heavy footfall was also recorded at the sacred Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi, where devotees waited overnight for Baba Vishwanath’s darshan.

Authorities set up barricades along the ghats and monitored the situation from boats to ensure orderly movement and safety amid the massive turnout.

Sacred Bhasma Aarti at Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain

In Madhya Pradesh, the famed Bhasma Aarti was performed at the renowned Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain amid chants and rituals. Devotees celebrated both Shiv Navratri and Mahashivratri with profound devotion in the temple courtyard.

Administrative Arrangements at Raisen Fort

At Raisen Fort, authorities opened the gates of Someshwar and Mahadev temples at 6 A.M. under administrative supervision to ensure smooth darshan and prevent inconvenience to devotees.

Large Turnout at Saipau Mahadev Temple in Rajasthan

In Rajasthan, a significant number of devotees visited the Saipau Mahadev Temple to offer prayers on the auspicious occasion.

Festival Marked by Devotion and Tight Security Nationwide

Mahashivratri, one of the most significant Hindu festivals, commemorates the divine union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Across states, the festival was marked by spiritual fervour, elaborate security arrangements and seamless administrative coordination as lakhs of devotees celebrated the sacred occasion with devotion and faith.