Abhanga is a form of devotional music and poetry narrated throughout the procession. The term ‘abhanga’ literally means ‘unbroken’ or ‘indestructible,’ symbolizing the eternal and continuous nature of devotion. They convey spiritual teachings, emphasizing the importance of inner purity, detachment, and the pursuit of moksha (liberation).
Devotional abhangas are sung as part of the all-night vigil. Abhangas are typically written in quatrains (four-line stanzas) with a simple and rhythmic structure set to melodious tunes, making them easy to sing and remember. They are accompanied by traditional instruments such as the dhol, the kartal, the manjeera, and the tanpura.
On Maha Shivaratri, the svayambhu lingam is converted into a mukhalingam by covering it with a metal kavach (armour or casing) carved in the shape of the head of Shiva. The term mukhalingam is derived from mukha, meaning "face," i.e., the face of Lord Shiva.
The Koli community has a deep connection to the sea and marine life. The coconut holds significant cultural, religious, and economic importance in Koli culture. On the day of Maha Shivaratri, a special coconut is brought to the temple, protected by an umbrella, a symbol of royalty.
The route taken by the palki includes temples, homes of devotees, and public spaces, symbolizing the spread of divine blessings across the community. The movement of the palanquin through the streets represents the journey of the deity, blessing the areas and people it passes by. This journey is symbolic of the divine's omnipresence and its accessibility to devotees.
Women wait in anticipation outside their homes with an aarti thali in hand to welcome the palki procession. The thali (plate) usually contains a diya (oil lamp), incense sticks, marigold flowers, and raw rice grains. A small bell is rung during aarti to invoke the divine and ward off negative energies.
Being part of a palki procession or witnessing it is considered spiritually uplifting. It symbolizes the elevation of the human spirit by being in close proximity to the divine.
The Nauvari saree, also known as the Kashta saree, is a traditional Maharashtrian attire worn by Koli women. The Nauvari saree is a nine-yard saree, as opposed to the regular six-yard saree. It is draped in a specific manner that allows for greater freedom of movement, making it practical for women engaged in the fishing business.
Devotees stand in line for hours to observe the darshan of the procession. Darshan is based on the philosophical concept of Advaita (non-duality), where the devotee and the divine are seen as one. Darshan is thus a realization of this oneness. It is believed that through darshan, devotees establish a direct connection with the divine, experiencing a sense of peace and spiritual fulfilment.