Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU/SRINAGAR, Feb 15: The sacred festival of Mahashivratri, which marks the divine wedding of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, was celebrated today with religious fervour and devotion drawing large numbers of devotees to temples and sacred shrines across Jammu and Kashmir.
In Jammu city, devotees visited major Shiva temples from the early hours. Places such as Ranbireshwar Temple, Aap Shambhu Temple in Roop Nagar, Peer Kho and other historic shrines were thronged with worshippers offering milk, Bel Patri (wood apple leaves), flowers and water on the holy Shivlingam, engaging in night-long prayers and traditional rituals.
Special arrangements were made by temple authorities and local volunteers to facilitate smooth darshan and worship. Administration had also made elaborated arrangements for the smooth celebration ensuring devotees’ safety and convenience.
Long queues of devotees were seen in the Shiv temples since early in the morning marking the occasion with Har Har Mahadev chants, temple rituals, and spiritual observances.
Amid a festive atmosphere, special langars were organized by individuals, groups, religious and social bodies throughout the city, particularly near the temples, where food and snacks were served to passersby.
Reports Shiv Khori in Reasi district and other parts of Jammu region said that Mahashivratri was celebrated with great enthusiasm and religious devotion by the people.
Mahashivratri, also known as Herath in Kashmir, was celebrated in the valley with Kashmiri Pandits visiting temples to offer prayers. The largest gathering took place at Shankaracharya Temple, which overlooks the Dal Lake. Multi-coloured lights illuminated the temple, and the air resonated with chants from the devotees.
A large number of people, including tourists, paid their respects, offering flowers and fruits to the deity and seeking his blessings. The occasion was also observed at other temples throughout the Kashmir valley.
-Excelsior/Shakeel
Herath, which means the “night of Hara” (Lord Shiva), is an important festival for the Kashmiri Pandit community. An essential ritual of Herath involves soaking walnuts in clay vessels, symbolising fertility, prosperity, and divine blessings.
On the occasion of Mahashivratri, the Brahma Kumaris Ishwariya Vishwa Vidyalaya celebrated the 90th Trimurti Shiv Jayanti Mahotsav at the Brahma Kumaris Center, Rehari Chungi.
Rajyogini B K Sudarshan Didi, In-charge of Brahma Kumaris J&K, enlightened the gathering on the profound spiritual significance of Mahashivratri. The event was graced by Sat Paul Sharma (CA), Member Rajya Sabha and President of BJP J&K, as the chief guest. Yudhvir Sethi, MLA (Jammu East), attended as the guest of honour while Purnima Sharma (Ex-Deputy Mayor) and Anu Bali (Ex-Corporator) were also among the guests.
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