Karachi: Mahashivratri (the night of Lord Shiva), a Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Shiva, one of the deities of the Hindu Trinity, was celebrated all over the country by the Hindu community on Thursday with much fervour and enthusiasm.In Karachi, almost all the followers of Santana Dharma visited Shri Ratneshwar Mahadev Temple, Clifton, which is considered as one of the oldest temples of Lord Shiva.
Devotee at Katas Raj Temple
Maha means Grand/Great, Shiv refers to Lord Shiva and Ratri is Night. Mahashivratri is the night of great celebrations commemorated in reverence of Lord Shiva.Pooja is started with chanting of Lord Shiva mantras, which were recited by Maharaj Shri Ravi Ramesh at the Shri Ratneshwar Mahadev Temple. He said that it is a day to rejoice and to pray to the almighty for wellness. Ramesh enlightened the devotees with his spiritual knowledge. He also urged them to purify their souls by shunning evil desires and doing good deeds.
Devotees bathed Lord Shiva with holy water and milk, or Pancha Amrut, which is prepared with water, milk, ghee, honey, sugar and curd. They also offered Bel leaves, white fragrant flowers and incense.In the early morning, at about 5.00 a.m., people walked to the seaside for Arti Pooja.
Lord Shiva, it is said, saved mankind by drinking poison (Halalhal) and stored it in his throat. This poison turned his throat blue and so he is also known as “Neelkantha/Neelkant” (Neel- blue, Kantha- throat). Wise sages advised other gods to keep Lord Shiva awake the whole night. So they decided to sing and everyone kept a vigil, contemplating on their Lord.This tradition continues to be practiced till today where devotees sing Bhajans, Kirtans and meditate on their Lord.
People fast and visit nearby temples of Lord Shiva and offer prayers in large crowds. The prayers and worship continue throughout the night and people keep visiting for three days.
Temples of Lord Shiva are decorated weeks in advance as devotees throng in small and big groups from all over the country to offer their prayers.
Source: www.thenews.com
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