Millions of Devotees throng to Temples on Mahashivaratri

Millions of devotees have thronged to Shiva temples across the country on the auspicious day of Mahashivaratri. Tryambakeshar Temple in Nasik, Mahakal Temple in Ujjain, Vishwanath Temple in Kashi, Vaidyanath Dham in Deoghar, Babulnath Temple in Mumbai and the famous Lingaraj Temple in Bhubaneswar, have witnessed heavy rush for the 'puja' and offering.

Mahashivratri has a rich tradition. Devotees wake up early in the morning and take a ritual bath and then offer prayers to all gods. They wear new/fresh clothes and visit the nearest Shiva Temple to give the customary bath to the Shiva Linga. They also pour milk over the sacred Shiva Linga. Non-stop prayers continue in the temples, as the devotees, who observe fast, don't sleep and chant "Mantras" or "Slokas" throughout the night. They break their fast the next morning by consuming the prasad offered to Lord Shiva.