Shivling Stolen From Centuries-Old Dwarka Temple Ahead Of Maha Shivratri Eve; Scuba Divers Join Probe! News24 –

Devbhumi Dwarka: A multi-agency operation has been launched after a ‘Shivling’ was found stolen from a temple in Devbhumi Dwarka district of Gujarat on the eve of Maha Shivratri. The incident was reported on Tuesday from the Bhidbhanjan Bhavaneeshvar Mahadev temple. The police were informed of the theft by the temple priest. Investigation has been launched to recover the stolen stone Shivling.

What Did The Police Say?

SP Nitesh Pandey told ANI, “Priest of Bhidbhanjan Bhavaneeshvar Mahadev temple informed police that someone had stolen a ‘Shivling’ from the temple. Teams have been formed, and an investigation is going on.”

SP Pandey further stated that expert scuba divers and swimmers have been called to probe as there is a possibility that someone might have hidden the Shivling in the sea.

#WATCH | Devbhumi Dwarka, Gujarat | SP Nitesh Pandey says, “Priest of Bhidbhanjan Bhavaneeshvar Mahadev temple informed police that someone had stolen a ‘Shivling’ from the temple. Teams have been formed, and an investigation is going on. There is a possibility that someone might… pic.twitter.com/zXoY8aswsW

— ANI (@ANI) February 26, 2025

PM Modi Extends Maha Shivratri Greetings

India is celebrating Maha Shivratri today and devotees have flocked in large numbers to offer prayers at temples across the country. Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended Maha Shivratri greetings and wished for prosperity and good health. He wrote on X, “I wish all my countrymen a very happy Mahashivratri, a festival dedicated to Lord Shiva. May this divine occasion bring happiness, prosperity and good health to all of you, and also strengthen the resolve for a developed India. Har Har Mahadev!”

सभी देशवासियों को भगवान भोलेनाथ को समर्पित पावन-पर्व महाशिवरात्रि की असीम शुभकामनाएं। यह दिव्य अवसर आप सभी के लिए सुख-समृद्धि और उत्तम स्वास्थ्य लेकर आए, साथ ही विकसित भारत के संकल्प को सुदृढ़ करे, यही कामना है। हर-हर महादेव! pic.twitter.com/4gYM5r4JnR

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 26, 2025

Meanwhile, devotees from across the country have thronged Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj on the last ‘Snan’ of the Maha Kumbh, coinciding with the auspicious occasion of Maha Shivaratri.  The month-long celebration of Maha Kumbh will come to conclusion on Wednesday on the occasion of Maha Shivratri.