Lord Shiva temples in Vizianagaram and Srikakulam saw an unprecedented rush on Maha Shivaratri, Sunday, February 15, 2026. Temples like Ramateertham, Punyagiri, Dwadasa Jyotirlinga Sahitha Pasupathinaadeswara Swamy in Vizianagaram, and Mudu Kovellu wore festive looks with special prayers to the deities. Pilgrims arrived early at Pasupathinadeswara temple, known for replicas of Dwadasa Jyotrilingas. Temple trustees Gudisa Shiva Kumar and Gudisa Srinivasa Rao ensured smooth darshan with elaborate arrangements. Holy baths and Rudrabhisekham were conducted at Srimukhalingam, Endala Mallikarjuna Swamy temple, Umarudra Koteswara Alayam, and Shiva Balaji temple. Srimukhalingam temple, called Dakshina Kasi, held special prayers arranged by chief priest Naidugari Rajasekhar and trustees. Police provided security at temple premises and the nearby Vamsadhara river, where devotees took holy baths before prayers.