Sri Kshetra Dharmasthala gears up for Maha Shivaratri

• Large number of devotees are already making their way to the temple through ‘Padayatra’
• The temple administration has made all the necessary arrangements
• More than 1 lakh devotees are expected to attend

Dharmasthala, Feb 16, 2023: The renowned religious center, Sri Kshetra Dharmasthala, in Dakshina Kannada district, is abuzz with preparations for the upcoming Shivaratri celebration.

Many devotees have already begun making their way to Dharmasthala through ‘Padayatra’, a traditional form of pilgrimage by foot.

Devotees from far-flung regions, such as Bengaluru, Mysuru, Madikeri, Shivamogga, Hassan, Davangere, and other North Karnataka districts, are among those walking for several days while chanting ‘Shivanama’ to reach the temple, located hundreds of miles away.

As of now, about 50,000 devotees have registered their names, and the temple administration has made all the necessary arrangements to cater to the devotees’ needs.

The temple administration has made all the necessary arrangements for the convenience of the devotees, with signboards installed in 55 places to guide them.

The temple has also made arrangements for accommodation for the devotees at various locations such as SDM Educational Institutions in Ujire, Amritavarshini Hall, behind Annapoorna Choultry, Gangotri, and Saket Guest House. To ensure smooth operations, a reception office and information center have been opened at the temple’s main entrance, with a team of volunteers at the ready to assist the devotees.

The temple administration has also arranged for a 15-member medical team, including doctors and staff from SDM Hospital, to be present during the celebration.

The highlight of the festival is the Shivapanchakshari chanting event, which will be inaugurated by Dharmathala Dharmadhikari D Veerendra Heggade at Pravachana Mantap in front of the temple at 6 pm on Saturday.

Devotees will have the opportunity to have darshan during the night, and the Rathotsava will take place in the early hours of Sunday.

The temple administration is anticipating more than 1 lakh devotees from different parts of the state to attend the Shivaratri celebration. To facilitate the arrival of devotees, KSRTC has arranged special bus services from various places to Dharmasthala.