Devotees thronged to Shiva temples in massive numbers in Uttar Pradesh to offer prayers on the occasion of Mahashivratri on Wednesday.
Varanasi saw a grand early morning procession led by 'naga sadhus' and 'akharas' to Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple. The temple had been decorated with lights and flowers from Tuesday evening for the occasion.
Mahamandaleshwar of 'akharas' were atop a royal chariot as the procession as they made their way to the temple. The air rang with chants of 'Har Har Mahadev' as the sadhus carrying tridents, maces and swords performed 'jalabhishek'.
CEO of Kashi Vishwanath Dham Vishwa Bhushan Mishra said that all arrangements, including barricading and water facilities, were in place to ensure devotees' comfort. The temple saw a huge number of visitors, with darshan continuing through the night.
At Shakti Mandir in Gorakshapeeth, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath performed 'rudrabhishek' which was conducted by priests and Vedpathi Brahmins amid religious chants. The CM also performed havan and aarti later.
Speaking to reporters in Gorakhpur, Adityanath said, "I extend my greetings to the devotees and the people of the state on Mahashivratri. Dev Adi Dev Mahadev is the God of welfare and everything runs by his grace."
Stating that lakhs of devotees have reached Prayagraj, Varanasi and other temples across the country, he added, "This faith is a symbol of India's unity. I bow to this faith."
Before this, Adityanath visited the Shiva temple in the Gorakhnath temple complex, according to a government statement.
Lakhs of devotees also took a holy dip at the Triveni Sangam on Mahashivratri, which marks the last day of the Maha Kumbh underway in Prayagraj.
Prayers were also held at Kartikeya Mahadev temple in Sambhal which was recently reopened after 46 years. The temple, which remained closed since riots in the city in 1978, drew a large crowd of devotees from Sambhal and surrounding cities who gathered to offer 'kanwar' and perform 'jalabhishek'.
In Aligarh, thousands of 'kanwariyas' and devotees gathered at Siddhpeeth Khereshwar Dham Mahadev Temple for 'jalabhishek' amid chants of 'Om Namah Shivay'.
The administration had arranged for smooth access to the temple for large crowds.
In Raebareli, Shiva temples saw long queues of devotees chanting 'Har Har Mahadev'. In Kanpur, lakhs of devotees visited the Baba Anandeshwar Temple, known as the "Choti Kashi of Kanpur". The temple is believed to have historical ties to the Mahabharata and is a major centre for Shiva devotees.
Devotees offered Ganga water and 'bel' leaves to the 'shivling' at the site.
Similar scenes were also witnessed in the state capital Lucknow with people queuing up outside the Shiva temples to offer prayers.