Amid the Maha Shivaratri festivities, thousands of devotees flocked to the 18th century Shiva Dol (Lord Shiva temple) situated on the banks of the historic Sivasagar lake in upper Assam’s Sivasagar town on Saturday to pay obeisance to Lord Shiva. The 5-day Shivaratri festivities and mela (fair) organised at the Shiva Dol premises began on Friday evening itself which was inaugurated by union minister of ports, shipping and waterways & AYUSH Sarbananda Sonowal. The union minister also offered his prayers at the temple that was decorated beautifully with flowers and lights. The organisers said that prominent Bollywood singer Anuradha Paudwal will perform in the cultural programme of the closing ceremony of the 5-day Shivaratri festival on February 21.
The temple authorities said that devotees started pouring in on the temple premises from Saturday morning. People from all age groups were seen queuing up in lines since early morning with milk, belpatra leaves, fruits and flowers to offer to the Lord.
The majestic Shiva Dol built in 1734 by Queen Ambika, wife of Ahom king Shiva Singha beside the historic Sivasagar lake (Sivasagar Pukhuri) is one of the oldest Shiva temples of the country measuring 104 feet in height and crowned with an 8-feet high golden dome.
In the ongoing festival, the entire temple complex and the lake area has been beautifully illuminated making it a sight to behold for visitors.
