Bhubaneswar: The Mahasivaratri was observed on Monday with religious fervour and gaiety by the devotees across the state.

The devotees observed it with strict religious discipline by abstaining from food for the day and kept themselves awake till midnight. Almost all the important shrines of Shiva had a festive look. Thousands of people flocked to the temples from early morning to offer prayers. At some places big fairs were organised. People in large numbers thronged Mahendragiri, Gupteswar, Kapilas, Puri, Khiching, Manitri, Dhableswar, Loknath Shaivapitha to pay obeisance. In the state capital, more than one lakh devotees thronged Lingaraj temple to have a darshan of Lord Lingaraj. However, all the rituals were delayed by almost two hours as a mentally challenged man climbed atop the temple top by breaking the police cordon. The Mahadeep ( the Lamp) was taken atop the temple at around midnight. More than 15 platoons of forces were deployed in the temple to prevent any untoward incident.