Cuttack, Oct 20: The sacred month of Kartika continues to draw thousands of devotees to the revered Dhabaleswar Shrine in Cuttack district. On the second Monday of Kartika, the temple witnessed a massive turnout as pilgrims from across Odisha gathered to offer prayers and seek blessings.

Devotional fervour marked the early hours at Baba Dhabaleswar temple as the sacred rituals commenced with the ceremonial opening of the temple gates at 4 AM. In keeping with tradition, the deity was performed with jalabhishek, a sacred bathing with 108 pots of holy water, a ritual believed to purify and sanctify the divine presence. Lord Dhabaleswar was then adorned in the elaborate “Badasinghara Besha,” a special attire reserved for auspicious occasions.

According to temple priests and devotees, Kartika Mondays hold immense spiritual significance. It is believed that offering prayers to Lord Dhabaleswar on these days grants the devotee the blessings of a million births. This belief has led to a steady influx of pilgrims from every corner of the state, turning the temple premises into a vibrant centre of devotion.

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As the month progresses toward Panchuka, the final five days of the holy month of Kartika, the temple is preparing for the much-anticipated “Gaja Bhoga” offering, a traditional feast that draws even larger crowds.