Jamshedpur : Mahashivratri was celebrated with religious fervour in the steel city on Friday, with devotees observing fast and offering prayers at different temples of Lord Shiva. The chants of ‘Om Namah Shivay’ reverberated.
Thousands of devotees thronged various Shiv temples and offered ‘bel patra’ and milk to the deity. Temples remained crowded since the wee hours till late at night. A large number of devotees visited the temples. People from nearby rural areas were also seen.
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.
According to the Hindu Mythology, Mahashivratri is associated with the marriage of Shiva and Parvati and is observed on the 13th night /14th day of the Hindu month of Phalguna or Maagh every year.
In temples, offerings of Bael leaves to Shiva are made along with observing all-day fasting and night-vigil with chants of “Om Namah Shivaya”. Some devotees perform special rituals and penances to gain boons by the practice of Yoga and meditation to attain moksha or salvation.
District administration made tight security arrangements at temples to avoid any untoward incident.
Devotees offered milk, ‘bel patras’ and other traditional ‘jungle fruits’ to Lord Shiva. Rudrabhishek and maha-aarti were also performed in temples to celebrate the wedding of Shiv and Parvati. People also observed fast.
At Sakchi Shiv Mandir, Mahashivaratri’ celebrations began since wee hours. Long queues were seen outside this temple. The Kanwariyas also took out processions from areas near the temple.