Hubballi Witnesses Overwhelming Devotee Presence for Shivaratri Celebrations
On Sunday, a massive congregation of devotees descended upon Hubballi to participate in the Shivaratri Jatra Mahotsav dedicated to Sadguru Sri Siddharoodha Swamy. The event saw an influx of pilgrims not only from various parts of Karnataka but also from the neighboring state of Maharashtra, highlighting its regional significance.
Devotional Fervor and Temple Activities
Devotees arrived through diverse means of transportation, with many undertaking journeys on foot while others traveled by vehicles. The air resonated with fervent slogans such as "Shri Siddharoodha Maharaj ki Jai", as numerous organizations actively distributed essential items like water and fruits to the attendees.
Coinciding with the auspicious day of Shivaratri, throngs of devotees visited the Siddharoodha Mutt to seek blessings from Sadguru Siddharoodha and Gurunatharudha. Simultaneously, Mahashivaratri Puja programs were conducted at several prominent temples across the city, including the Ishwar Temple, Ramalingeshwara Temple, and other sacred sites.
The Sri Ramalingeshwara Temple in Unkal cross hosted a grand Mahashivratri vigil, attracting thousands of worshippers who made various offerings. At the historic Chandramouleshwara Temple in Unakal, devotees formed long queues since early morning for darshan of the deity. Similarly, the Ishwar Temple on Railway Station Road witnessed a substantial crowd engaging in worship, offering traditional items like dates, holige, and kadubu.
Devotional bhajans echoed throughout the day and night, with the nearby Budanagudda Basavanna Devara Temple also organizing bhajans as part of the Mahashivratri observances. Religious rituals were meticulously performed, and offerings were presented to the deities at these locations.
Upcoming Rituals and Festival Schedule
The festivities are set to continue with the Siddharoodha Swamy Rathotsava scheduled for February 16. On February 17, which marks the new moon day of Shivaratri, a significant ritual will take place at 5 AM where the idol of Sri Siddharoodha will be bathed in Bhasma. This will be followed by the Ganga Arudha Aarti at 6:30 PM. The Shivaratri festival will officially conclude on February 18 at 6 PM.
Traffic Management and Diversions
In anticipation of the ongoing celebrations, the Hubballi-Dharwad city police have announced comprehensive traffic diversions for Monday, from 11 AM to 11:30 PM, to facilitate the Sri Siddharoodha Jatra Mahotsav. These measures are specifically implemented during the Palakki Utsav and Rathotsav at the Siddharudha Mutt.
Key traffic diversion details include:
- Vehicles approaching Hubballi from Karwar Road and Kalghatagi will be redirected to enter the city via the Tarihal underbridge using the bypass route.
- For traffic originating from MT Mill Cross towards Indi Pumpa Circle, the alternative routes will be via Chatti Math Cross, Kamaripet PS Cross, New English School, Bankapur Chowk, Gabbara, or bypassing Gokul Road through Vani Vilas Circle.
- Only light vehicles will be permitted on the route from New English School Cross towards Indi Pump Circle.
- Similarly, only light vehicles will be allowed on the path from Akshay Park Circle towards Murudeshwar Factory.
The police have established a dedicated parking system around the Siddharoodha mutt to accommodate two-wheelers, four-wheelers, and other vehicles arriving for the fair. In instances of heavy traffic congestion, temporary re-routing of vehicles will be executed as deemed necessary for convenience and safety.
