Mangalore, Feb 12: ‘Maha Shivaratri’ festival is being observed since times immemorial. ‘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 Shviaratri’ for the year 2010 falls on Friday February 12.
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.
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.
All the temples dedicated to Lord Shiva have geared up to enable the devotees, who throng them, to serve the Lord without any problems. Serpentine queues get formed at Lord Shiva temples like Kadri Manjunatheshwara Temple and Kudroly Gokarnanatha Temple, where various programmes are being organized on this holy occasion.
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