BICHOLIM
A large number of devotees thronged the Rudreshwar temple (Harvalem) and Saptakoteshwar temple (Narvem), where religious rituals like Ganeshpojan, Kalashpoojan, Shivmahimnastotra, Rudrabhishek and other rituals were observed. Devotees performed the Dugdabhishek (rituals performed with milk) of the sacred Shivlinga.
The 12th day rituals and Shraddha rituals were also performed at the holy river by some families. Devotees took a dip at the waterfall, which is believed to be sacred water emerging out of Bhimkund.
Mahashivratri was also celebrated at Saptakoteshwar Devasthan (Narvem), Mahadev temple (Bicholim), Mahamaya temple (Bordem-Bicholim), Dattatraya Devasthan (Audumbarwadi, Bordem-Bicholim), Vathdev temple (Vathadev-Bicholim), Nagnath temple (Mulgao-Bicholim), Mahadev temple (Assnora), Lord Shiva temple (Ambeli-Sattari) and Lord Shiva temple at Surla, Velguem, Bhamai-Pale, Wadawal, Sal, Ladfe, Lamgao, Rudreshwar temple and surrounding temples of Lord Shiva in Bicholim taluka.
Elsewhere, the festival was celebrated with religious fervour with men and women engaging in rituals like bathing the Shivlinga with milk and offering fruits and seeking blessings of the diety.
Most Shiva temples saw devotees throng there for a dip in the temple pool and then for religious rituals. The celebrations will continue till late in the night with celebrations planned all over the State.
