Maha Shivratri: Devotees throng Mahakaleshwar Temple, Lord Shiva celebrated across nation

New Delhi: Devotees thronged the Shree Mahakaleshwar Temple in large numbers on the auspicious day of Maha Shivratri on February 21. Several devotees attended a special ‘Bhasm Aarti’ in Madhya Pradesh’s Ujjain. Shree Mahakaleshwar Temple is one of the Jyotirlingas in India. The lingam at the Mahakala is believed to be swayambhu (born of itself) deriving currents of power shakti from within itself as against the other images and lingams which are ritually established and invested with mantra-shakti. Sea of devotees thronged temples of Lord Shiva in several parts of the country to offer prayers on the occasion of Maha Shivratri on February 21. Devotees visited Babulnath Temple in Mumbai, Shri Gauri Shankar Temple in Delhi's Chandni Chowk and 'Shivala Bagh Bhaiyan' temple in Amritsar to offer prayers. Maha Shivratri, which literally translates to 'the greatest night of Shiva' is one of the most splendidly celebrated festivals across the country. It celebrates the grand marriage of the lord of destruction - Shiva - with the goddess of fertility, love, and beauty - Parvati - who is also known as Shakti (power). In Uttar Pradesh’s Varanasi, devotees also took holy dip in river on this pious day. Maha Shivratri is one of the most splendidly celebrated festivals across the country. It celebrates the grand marriage of the lord of destruction - Shiva - with the goddess of fertility, love, and beauty - Parvati - who is also known as Shakti (power). According to Hindu mythology, on the night of the marriage, Lord Shiva had a very diverse group of acquaintances including Hindu gods, goddesses, animals and demons escorting him to the house of the goddess. The duo of Shiv and Shakti is considered to be the epitome of love, power and togetherness. The festival, marking the initiation of their bond - 'Maha Shivratri' - is celebrated with great fervour across India.