Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Mar 8: Along with other parts of the country, Maha Shivratri was celebrated today with religious fervour and gaiety across Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory.
Since early in the morning, devotees drawn from different areas thronged various Shiv Temples and paid obeisance to mark the Maha Shivratri celebrations amid chanting of religious hymns and `Har Har Mahadev’ slogans.
In Jammu, Ranbireshwar Temple near Shalamar, Aap Shambhu at Roop Nagar, Peer Kho near Tawi and Tri-Murti Mandir Janipur witnessed huge rush of devotees throughout the day. Though the rush of devotees was normal during the wee hours, but swelled as the day progressed.
The devotees offered flowers, Bel leaves, milk, curd to the ‘Shivlingam’ for performing special Puja on the occasion. Due to heavy rush of devotees, traffic jams were also witnessed on various roads leading to famous temples.
On the occasion, special langars were also organized by religious bodies as well as individuals at temples and markets. For smooth and incident free celebrations, elaborate security arrangements were made by the administration, particularly near the temples.
The Directorate of Tourism Jammu in collaboration with JKAACL and District Administration Jammu, Samba and Reasi organised the Mahashivratri Mahotsav with vibrant festivities. The celebrations started at the revered temple Peer Kho and Panchvaktar Mahadev Temple in Jammu District, sacred Shiv Temples at Purmandal in District Samba and pious pilgrimage Shrine Shiv Khori in Ransoo town of District Reasi. Click here to watch video
Reports from Kashmir said that large number of devotees throng Shankaracharya Temple in Srinagar to pay obeisance on the occasion of Maha Shivratri.
Pertinent to mention that Shivratri is celebrated as Herath in Kashmir and Kashmiri Pandits offer night long puja. As part of the distinct Herath celebrations in the valley , Pandits pray with the offering of walnuts, which are placed in a ‘watuk’ (earthen pot).
Authorities in Srinagar had made adequate arrangements for those visiting the temples. Tourists including men, women and children were seen in long queues awaiting their entry to pay obeisance at the Shankaracharya temple overlooking the famous Dal Lake in Srinagar.
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