'JAI BHOLA Bhandari Shiv hai'. And to appease him, the devotees thronged the temples since early morning on the auspicious occasion of Mahashivratri on Sunday. The incantation of 'Om Namah Shivay' reverberated in the environment.
The devotees made a beeline to the temples in order to worship Lord Shiv and Maa Parvati. All the Shivalayas of the city were seen crowded with worshippers.
Rudrabhishek, hawan, pujan and arti of Mahamritunjay was performed at temples for the entire day. Offerings of Gangajal, milk, belpatra, flowers, dhatura, bel, flowers of madar, sweets and fruits were the main offerings. A few worshippers also offered gulal on the occasion.
In the evening the worshippers witnessed the 'mahashringar' and the temples were also especially decorated with colourful lights and flowers.
The 'kapat' (doors) of the Mankameshwar temple situated on bank of river Yamuna were opened for the devotees since 3 a.m. after the 'Mangal arti.' 'Shringar' of the 'linga' was done in the evening and it was the sight to behold. Colourful flowers were used to decorate the temple. Special puja was performed late at night.
Likewise, the devotees got the opportunity to worship Bholenath at Sri Nimbark Ashram. Flowers and fruits were used to embellish Siddhapeeth Bholegiri at Katghar. Nagvasuki temple at Daraganj too witnessed hordes of devotees on Mahashivratri.
Similarly, Hatkeshwar Nath at Zero Road, Shanker Viman Mandapam at bandh, Hanuman temple at Civil Lines, Kalyani Devi, Lalita Devi, Alop Shankari Devi were all decorated for the occasion.
The highlight of the event was 'Shiv barat' in which a procession was taken out from Loknath. It marks the marriage of Lord Shiv with Parvati.
{{/usCountry}}The highlight of the event was 'Shiv barat' in which a procession was taken out from Loknath. It marks the marriage of Lord Shiv with Parvati.
{{/usCountry}}Artistes posed themselves as Lord Shiv and his 'ganas' and the entire procession took the route of various destinations in the city after which it culminated at Loknath.