M’lore: Devotees Make a Beeline at Kadri Manjunatheshwara Temple on Shivaratri Day

Pics: Prajwal Ukkuda
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (SP)

Mangalore, Feb 23: 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, the destroyer, at whose anger even the gods are said to shiver. Maha Shivaratri is being celebrated on Monday February 23 all over.

The day is celebrated in commemoration of 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, as per mythology.

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, bael  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 temple has seven tanks that are considered holy. People take a dip here with the belief, that their sins would be washed away. They are sure that Lord Shiva would smile on them on Shivaratri, the day on which it is believed, he is contented and is in generous mood.