Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Feb 26: Maha Shivratri was celebrated today with religious fervour and traditional enthusiasm, across Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory.
Devotees drawn from different areas thronged various Shiv Temples throughout the day since wee hours and paid obeisance to mark the auspicious occasion of Mahashivratri.
In Jammu City, unprecedented rush of devotees was seen at Ranbireshwar Temple near Shalimar Chowk, Aap Shambhu Temple in Roop Nagar and Peerkho. Besides, Raghunath Mandir and other temples of Lord Shiva also witnessed rush of devotees.
The devotees offered water, flowers, Bel leaves, milk, curd etc to the holy ‘Shivlingam’. Special arrangements were made for night long prayers in the temples. Several devotees observed fast and participated in night- long prayers.
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.
Even as security arrangements were made for smooth and incident free celebrations, massive traffic jams were also witnessed on various roads leading to famous temples.
National Conference president and former Chief Minister Dr Farooq Abdullah along with some party colleagues visited Ranbireshwar Temple and paid obeisance besides partaking in serving Bhandara to the people. He also interacted with devotees and extended greetings on Mahashivratri. Several prominent Jammu based leaders were also seen visiting the temples and paying obeisance to Lord Shiva besides greeting people on the occasion.
Shiv Khori Shrine in Reasi district witnessed the influx of thousands of devotees on the occasion of Mahashivratri. Besides paying obeisance , devotees also enjoyed local cuisine at food stalls set up along the route to the temple shrine.
Reports from Srinagar said, a large number of devotees thronged the historic Shankaracharya Temple to offer prayers on the occasion of Mahashivratri, locally known as “Herath”.
Braving the chilly and wet weather conditions, long queues of devotees were seen at the temple, which was beautifully decorated for the festival.
The worshippers, while chanting hymns and performing rituals, expressed their devotion to Lord Shiva.
Follow our WhatsApp channel
