Thousands of Devotees Flock to Shiva Temples Across Erstwhile Adilabad for Maha Shivratri

Adilabad (Telangana), February 15, 2026:
Lakhs of devotees thronged Lord Shiva temples across the erstwhile Adilabad district on the occasion of Maha Shivratri, celebrating the sacred festival with deep devotion and spiritual fervour.

Major temples across Telangana witnessed an overwhelming turnout as devotees began arriving in the early hours to offer special prayers, perform rituals, and participate in night-long bhajans.

In Mancherial district, nearly two lakh devotees from neighboring areas and parts of Maharashtra visited the revered Sri Gattu Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple, situated atop a hillock at Velala village. Many pilgrims took a holy dip in the sacred Godavari River before proceeding for darshan.

Similarly, around one lakh devotees offered prayers at the Sri Bugga Raja Rajeshwara Swamy Devasthanam. Long queues were also witnessed at the ancient Sri Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple and the Sri Papahareshwara Swamy Temple, where devotees observed fasting and performed special abhishekams.

In Kumram Bheem Asifabad district, large crowds gathered at prominent shrines including the Sri Sivamallanna Swamy Temple, Sri Shivakeshavalayam, Sri Bhadrakali Temple, and Sri Rangadameshwara Swamy Temple.

Temple authorities, in coordination with district officials, made elaborate arrangements to ensure smooth conduct of the festivities. Special measures included queue management systems, drinking water facilities, temporary shelters, sanitation services, and enhanced transport connectivity. Voluntary organisations distributed buttermilk and fruits to devotees braving long waits for darshan.

Maha Shivratri, one of the most significant Hindu festivals dedicated to Lord Shiva, is marked by fasting, night-long vigils, and chanting of hymns. The grand celebrations across the region reflected the enduring faith and spiritual unity of devotees who gathered in large numbers to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva.