DERGAON, Feb 17 � Maha Sivaratri was celebrated with great enthusiasm at the historic Negheriting Sivadoul today. About 30,000 people converged on the temple where Maha Sivaratri has been celebrated since long.
The temple, situated 1 km away from the Negheriting Chariali near the NH-37, was built in 1727 during the reign of Rajeswar Singha. Since its inception, Sivaratri had been celebrated on the doul premises.
Thousands of devotees went to the temple in the morning to offer puja to Lord Shiva. The local police maintained the law-and-order situation at the festival site.
Due to the alleged neglect of the Government, the temple has not yet been developed into a prominent tourist spot. At present, the temple site is under the Archaeological Survey of India, but no proper activity has yet been taken to develop the site. The big pond on the western side of the temple has been lying unused. The banks of the pond may be developed into a horticultural garden, which will benefit the monkeys which abound on the doul premises.
Tinsukia Correspondent adds: Devotees thronged the Siva temples in the district on Maha Sivaratri on Tuesday.
Thousands of people made a beeline to the temples right from the morning hours to offer puja at Shivdham, Shivbari, Devipukhuri, etc. Melas were also held in the temple compounds.
