Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Feb 17: Devotion was in the air as people flocked in large numbers to temples at Kadri, Kudroli and other places on the occasion of Maha Shivaratri on Tuesday February 17.

Maha Shivaratri, which falls on the 13th day of the second fortnight of Magha month as per Hindu calendar, is considered to be highly auspicious occasion to appease Lord Shiva.

It is believed that the day commemorates Lord Shiva's action in consuming a highly destructive poison named 'Halahala' which came out when the gods and demons churned the sea to bring out everything that had been submerged there in the past.

People undertake fast on this day, chant eulogies of Lord Shiva for the entire night by being awake, anoint the Lingam of Lord Shiva with vermillion paste, leaves and holy water, offer food to Him, light incense sticks and traditional oil lamps besides chanting hymns and Bhajans to please the Lord.

Kadri Manjunatheshwara Temple is one of the most revered, ancient Lord Shiva temples in the state, which is nearly a thousand years old. Since early morning, people thronged the temple to pay obeisance to the Lord and worship him in different ways, for getting His blessings. Irrespective of their age, caste, gender and other differences, people were seen flocking the temple in droves. The devotees also flocked to Shree Gokarnanatheshwara Temple, Kudroli and sought blessings on this auspicious day.