Mangaluru: Devotees celebrated ‘Maha Shivaratri’ festival at Lord Shiva temples like Kadri Manjunatheshwara Temple and Kudroli Gokarnanatha Temple, where various programmes are being organized on this holy occasion.
‘Maha Shivaratri’ means the great night dedicated to Lord Shiva. The festival falls on the 14th day of the waning moon in Margashira month as per Hindu calendar. ‘Maha Shivaratri’ for the year 2021 falls on Thursday March 11.
It is believed that Lord Shiva had Married Goddess Parvati on ‘Maha Shivaratri’. Devotees also believe that the Lord had performed ‘Tandava Nritya’ on this day. People throng temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, either in idol form or Lingam form, to offer various services. Pouring of water (Abhishekha) and placing holy fig leaves on Shivalingam are considered to be very auspicious, as several stories in epics explain how different devotees had earned the benevolence of the Lord by offering water and holy fig twigs to Him.
Balakrishna from Kadri temple said that this year the number of devotees visiting the temple has seen a steep rise, to an extent that this is the highest compared to past few years. This he observes could be because people are experiencing some relaxation post anxiety and worries that they felt during peak Covid times. However, people and the staff are cautious of the current situation too, he adds and expressed his happiness to see normalcy in times of pandemic.
Ramya Rakesh, a devotee also was surprised at the rush seen at the temple. However, she added that she maintained social distancing and kept her mask on too. “It is such a relief that people are able to visit temples and offer prayers on this auspicious day. And also it feels happy that they are cautious and aware too. With this, I hope the days of near normal are back again soon, she hoped.
Lord Shiva, known with hundreds of names which include Bholenath, Eshwara, Shambhunatha, Hara etc., can be appeased easily, as he is large-hearted. At the same time, he gets angry easily. On Maha Shivaratri day, he is in a graceful mood, the Hindu religious books explain. The people observe fast during the day to appease the Lord. Some do not even drink water on Maha Shivaratri day. They remain awake on Shivaratri night and spend time in temples, serving the Lord and otherwise chanting his Bhajans.
