The Dhabaleswar Temple, one of Odisha’s prominent Shiva shrines, witnessed a surge of devotees on Sunday as Lord Dhabaleswar was adorned in the elaborate Chandrachuda Besha on the second day of the holy Panchuka period in the Kartika month.
Rituals at the temple began at approximately 4:00 AM with the Dwara Phita Niti, followed by customary procedures culminating in the deity’s ceremonial dressing. The temple premises were filled with devotees eager to seek blessings during the early morning darshan.
Temple priest Ajay Pati elaborated on the day’s significance: “According to the Odia almanac, Panchuka begins today, but at Lord Dhabaleswar’s Peeth, it marks the second day. Rituals including Pahada Niti were performed, and the deity was bathed with fragrant water before being adorned in the Chandrachuda Besha. Bhoga offerings included anna, dalma, khiri, and khechudi. In the evening, the Lord will be bathed again, followed by Sandhya Besha and Alati rituals.”
To ensure smooth public access and safety, temple authorities deployed two additional SPs, five magistrates, and 15 police platoons in and around the shrine.
The Panchuka period, observed during the last five days of Kartika, holds deep spiritual significance for Lord Shiva devotees. Situated on an island in the Mahanadi River, Dhabaleswar Temple remains a major pilgrimage center, drawing worshippers from across the region during this sacred time.
