Mangalore: Maha Shivratri - Devotees seek Lord Shiva's blessings at Kadri Temple

Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (VM)

Mangalore, Mar 10: Maha Shivratri is a Hindu festival celebrated every year in worship of Lord Shiva and is said to be among the most important festivals for Hindus.

On this auspicious day, devotees recite Mantras and Shlokas of Lord Shiva and stay awake all through the night.

The same was witnessed even in Kadri Manjunatheshwara temple where devotees visited the temple in large number and offered Pooja to god. Devotees were also seen taking a holy dip in the temple pond.

Mahashivaratri falls on the 14th day of the waning moon of Margashira month as per the Hindu calendar. This is the ‘great night’ or 'Maha Ratri', when devotees are expected to observe fast, stay awake, and offer puja to Lord Shiva. During this time, in all Shiva temples the most auspicious Lingodbhava puja is performed.

It is believed that Lord Shiva had performed Tandava dance on this day. Mythological scriptures also describe this to be the day on which Lord Shiva was married to Goddess Parvati. Devotees offer flowers, bael leaves, and bathe the Lingam of the Lord with reverence, besides performing various other procedures to win over his kind attention. Those who appease the Lord on this day are believed to get rid of all their sins and that Lord Shiva will bestow them with a boon of salvation upon death.

For women, Mahashivaratri happens to be a very important occasion. They pray to Goddess Parvati, who controls the conjugal relationships, with marital bliss for themselves and long life for their husbands.