March 04
Like other parts of the country, Maha Shivratri was celebrated across Jammu Kashmir with religious fervour and enthusiasm.
The auspicious occasion, which is celebrated to mark mythological marriage of Lord Shiva with Goddess Parvati, witnessed prayers in temples with devotees offering water on Shiv lingam, taking out religious processions and organizing of Langars etc.
There was heavy rush of devotees in all the prominent Shiv temples.
People from different age groups, including children, young and elders, thronged the Shiv temples for paying obeisance and offering water mixed with milk on the holy Shivlingam. The devotees especially offered Bael and Bael Patri (Golden Apple and its leaves) to Lord Shiva while chanting ‘Om Namah Shivaya’. All the Shiv temples were well decorated for the occasion. Several devotees also observed fast.
The devotees were seen waiting in queues for their turn to reach near the Shivlingam for paying obeisance and offering water with flowers.
To facilitate the devotees, the administration had also made elaborate arrangements besides ensuring adequate security around the temples to ensure peaceful conduct of religious celebration. Individuals and organizations had organized Bhandaras near the temples where people were served sweets.
The festival holds an important place among Kashmiri Pandits who celebrate it to mark the wedding of Shiva and Parvati.
The biggest gathering took place at Shankaracharya Temple overlooking Dal Lake.
Hundreds of devotees also thronged to Khir Bhawani temple at Tullamulla in Central Kashmir’s district Ganderbal.
Kashmiri Pandits celebrate Shiv yatri at Mattan Martand Temple.
Special prayers and puja was organised by kashmiri pandits on the occasion of Maha Shivratri at Martand Tirath Mandir and Lukbawan Nagdandi Achabal and Many Places in District Anantnag in South Kashmir.
People from different communities Muslims and Sikhs gave best wishes to Hindu Brethren.
Remember the place has been symbol of communal Harmony always.
A local Kashmiri Paandit Rohit Raina, told that Shivratri sends out a message of peace. “Today we pray to god that this tamasha of bloodshed should end. We should live in unity (ral Milkey) the way we used to before this cycle of bloodshed,” he told.
He hoped that they pray to their lord that this Kashmir, “commonly known as “Pir Waer and Resh Waer”, restored that lost brotherhood and bring that lost peace and Love between two communities.