Maha Shivaratri being celebrated across the country [With Pictures]

KATHMANDU: Maha Shivaratri, the day dedicated to Lord Shiva, is being observed across the country on Sunday.

Followers of the Vedic Sanatan Hindu faith begin the day by bathing in rivers, ponds, and lakes before visiting Shiva temples for prayers and offerings. Named after the night of Lord Shiva’s manifestation, the festival is mentioned in sacred texts such as the Shiva Purana as one of the four sacred nights — Kalaratri, Moharatri, Sukharatri, and Shivaratri.

The festival is also regarded as a beloved day of Lord Ashutosh (Shiva), who awakens righteousness in the hearts of the poor and suffering. It is believed that while trees and plants become barren and lifeless in the month of Magh (mid-January to mid-Febraury) due to Mahadev’s destructive Rudra aspect, they begin to sprout again in Falgun (mid-February to mid-March) due to his benevolent Shiva aspect, symbolizing renewal.

Considered the most significant of all fasts, devotees observe fasting, offer milk, dhatura, and bel (wood apple) leaves to Lord Shiva, and stay awake throughout the night in vigil. Religious belief holds that those who fast and remain awake all night attain spiritual fulfillment and are spared from Yamalok (the realm of death).

There is also a popular belief that Lord Mahadev feels cold on this day; therefore, sacred fires are lit in homes, courtyards, and temples, where hymns are sung, and prasad is prepared and shared.

As a national cultural festival, special rituals are performed at Pashupatinath Temple during the four quarters of the night, including Mahadeep, Akhandadeep, Lakshyabatti, Deepotsav, and the offering of one hundred thousand bel leaves. Pilgrims from various parts of Nepal and neighboring India throng the Pashupatinath Temple to offer prayers and attend the Shivaratri fair.

Pashupati Area Development Trust (PADT) Treasurer Shridhar Sapkota said special arrangements have been made for devotees visiting the Pashupatinath area.

The four gates of the temple were opened from 2:00 am on Sunday. In previous years, more than one million devotees have visited the Pashupati area on this day.