The festival of Mahashivaratri is being celebrated with religious fervour and gaiety in Gujarat today. A large number of devotees are visiting the most revered Somnath Mahadev temple, Nageshwar temple in Dwaraka and other prominent Shiva temples in the state. Our correspondent reports that special arrangements have been made at Somnath temple to facilitate the devotees. In Somnath, the festival of Mahashivratri holds a special significance and the celebration starts at 4 am.
In Uttar Pradesh, devotees are arriving at Shiva temples across the state including Kashi Vishwanath Dham in Varanasi since morning to perform Jalabhishek of Lord Shiva. Special preparations have been made in Kashi for Mahashivratri. Apart from the darshan and worship, processions of seven Akharas will also be taken out here.
On the occasion of Mahashivratri, a grand procession of Lord Shiva will be taken out in Baba Baidyanathdham Deoghar, one among the twelve Jyotirlingas located in Jharkhand. The whole city of Deoghar has been decorated with lights and decor. The Tourism Department of the Jharkhand Government is organizing the Shivratri festival for the first time this year. Chief Minister Hemant Soren will inaugurate the Mahashivratri festival today in KKN stadium in Deoghar.
The holy festival of Maha Shivratri is one of the most auspicious festivals for Hindu devotees. In Maharashtra, people across the state visit temples and perform special pujas to worship Lord Shiva; this day is also observed as a “dry day” in Maharashtra, meaning liquor sales are prohibited.
President Droupadi Murmu today extended heartfelt greetings to countrymen on the auspicious occasion of Mahashivratri. In a social media post, the President prayed that the blessings of the Supreme God Mahadev remain on all citizens and India continues to move ahead on the path of progress.
Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar today greeted the countrymen on the auspicious occasion of Mahashivratri. In a social media post, Mr Dhankhar shared that the holy festival is a symbol of self-introspection and spiritual awareness, which inspires the citizens to follow the path of knowledge, patience, and compassion. The Vice President wished that the grace of Lord Shiva remain in the entire universe, and with his blessings, India proceeded on the path of progress and prosperity.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi today wished the citizens of the nation a very happy Mahashivratri. In a social media post, Mr Modi prayed that this divine occasion, dedicated to Lord Shiva, bring happiness, prosperity, and good health to the citizens. The Prime Minister expressed optimism that the festival also strengthens the resolve of a developed India.
In Madhya Pradesh, devotees are thronging all major temples on the occasion of Mahashivratri. Our correspondent reports, at Jyotirlingas Mahakaleshwar and Omkareshwar, long queues of devotees is seen since early morning today.
