Jamshedpur : Maha Shivratri was on Thursday celebrated with religious fervour in the steel city, with devotees observing fast and offering prayers at different temples of Lord Shiva. Thousands of Hindu faithful thronged the temples since midnight. Long queues were
seen at the famous Shiva temples. District administration made tight security arrangements at temples to avoid any untoward incident.
Also known as Shivaratri, the festival celebrates the convergence of Shiva and Shakti on the Krishna Paksha Chaturdashi of Hindu calendar month Maagha. Women observe fast and offer prayers both to Lord Shiva and Parvati to seek a blissful married life.
Among the many legends associated with Maha Shivratri are marriage of Shiva and Shakti and
Ganga’s descent from the heavens to the earth. Maha Shivratri also marks the night when Lord Shiva performed the ‘Tandava” dance.
Devotees offer Bael or golden apple to Lord Shiva and chant the sacred Panchakshara mantra dedicated to Lord Om Namah Shivaya on this day, which is celebrated across India.