Pics: Spoorthi Ullal

Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)

Mangaluru, Mar 8: Maha Shivaratri, the most auspicious time of the year to please Lord Shiva and seek his benevolence, has arrived. This sacred occasion is revered for its significance in Hindu tradition, as devotees across the globe engage in rituals and observances to honour the divine.

Believed to be a day when Lord Shiva showers his kindness upon devotees, Maha Shivaratri holds deep spiritual importance. People partake in special pujas and Abhisheka ceremonies, offering prayers and devotion to the revered deity. Religious and cultural programs are organized in temples, where devotees chant hymns, sing bhajans, and remain awake throughout the night, immersed in devotion.

One of the traditional offerings to Lord Shiva on Maha Shivaratri is the Bilva Patra (bael) leaves, symbolizing devotion and purity. These leaves hold a special significance in the worship of Lord Shiva and are offered with utmost reverence by devotees seeking his blessings.

In temples like the Lord Gokarnatheshwara at Kudroli and Kadri Shree Manjunatha Temple in the city, Maha Shivaratri marks the annual festival. Elaborate decorations adorn the sacred spaces, and various religious programs are underway, attracting devotees who come to participate in the festivities and seek the divine blessings of Lord Shiva.