Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)

Mangaluru, Mar 7: Scores of people thronged Kadri Temple on Monday March 7 for Maha Shivaratri, one of the most important festivals for the devotees of Lord Shiva. It is believed that devotion to the Lord by way of observance of fast, singing of Bhajans in His praise all through the night, and simple ways to express total surrender to Him result in reaping of enormous benefits for the people.

This festival is believed to be specifically important for girls, as the girls who seek Lord Shiva's blessings it is said, get the boon by way of noble husbands.

The most popular way of worshipping Lord Shiva is by fasting on this day, offering of water, honey, milk, Bael twigs, etc and by performing Aarati. Lord Shiva, it is said, likes total devotion and pure love, and not elaborate procedures. His grace can be earned by prostrating before the Shiva Lingam and chanting the hymn, 'Om Namah Shivaya' repeatedly.

Temples dedicated to Lord Shiva reverberate with the chants and devotional songs hailing his greatness on this day. Hindus believe that Lord Shiva was married on this day, 14th day of Krishna Paksha of Maagha month as per Hindu calendar, to Goddess Parvati.

Staying awake the whole night, spending time meditating upon the Lord or singing his praises, and breaking the day-long fast the next morning, are the important procedures associated with this festival.