Pankoddhar Ekadashi is observed in the Shri Lokanath Temple in Puri in Odisha before Shivratri. Pankoddhar Ekadashi 2025 date is February 24. The Shivling in the Shri Lokanath Temple becomes visible only from the Pankoddhar Ekadasi day – this happens three days before the Mahashivratri in Phalgun month. The sanctum sanctorum of Sri Lokanatha Temple including the Shivalinga is filled with water throughout the year. The water is removed only during the Pankoddhar Ekadashi period. Thousands of people come to the temple to worship during the period. The offerings that were made throughout the year remains decomposed in water. People believe that it has curative properties. Therefore it is distributed it as Prasad. Legend has it that Lord Ram during his exile period had meditated here and is believe to have had the darshan of Lord Shiva. The villagers presented Lord Ram with Lau or Lauka (Pumpkin) similar to a Shivling. Lord Rama installed the Lauka at the pla