Devotees throng Shiva temples across the country on Mahashivratri

Special arrangements have been made for devotees in Kashi. During Mahashivratri in Kashi, all gates have been opened for devotees after the Mangla Aarti, ensuring smooth access for darshan (sacred viewing).

In Mumbai’s Vasai and Nalasopara, Mahashivratri is being celebrated with great fervor. Long queues of devotees are seen at ancient Shiva temples, including the Tungureshwar Mahadev Temple in Virar and Nalasopara areas. Since morning, devotees have been immersed in worship, and the atmosphere is reverberating with chants in praise of Lord Shiva. Security arrangements have been tightened to prevent any untoward incidents.

In Haridwar, on the occasion of Mahashivratri, long queues of devotees are visible at temples such as Dakshheshwar Mahadev in Kankhal, Tilbhandeshwar Mahadev, Daridra Bhanjan, and other Shiva temples. Devotees are offering bilva leaves, milk, curd, honey, bhang, dhatura, and Ganga water in the abhishek of Lord Shiva. Meanwhile, devotees participating in the Kanwar Yatra are seen bathing at Har Ki Pauri and offering water at Shiva temples.

At Nageshwar Jyotirlinga and Himachal’s Naina Devi Temple, worship and rituals are in full swing. A huge crowd of devotees has gathered at Nageshwar Jyotirlinga near Dwarka in Gujarat on Mahashivratri. Devotees are participating in the aarti of Lord Shiva, praying for the fulfillment of their wishes.

In Himachal Pradesh, the world-famous Naina Devi Temple is hosting grand worship rituals on the occasion of Mahashivratri. Devotees are arriving at this Shiva temple, believed to have been established by the Pandavas, to offer their prayers. A bhajan evening and a narration of the Shiva Mahapurana are also being organized on this occasion.

Acharya Pankaj Agnihotri, while discussing the significance of Mahashivratri, said that this day holds special importance for the darshan and worship of Lord Shiva. He explained that the four-phase worship on Mahashivratri carries great significance, and devotees who observe a fast and perform puja on this day have all their wishes fulfilled.