Religious fervour marks Maha Shivaratri celebrations

Maha Shivaratri was celebrated across the country with religious fervour and traditional enthusiasm on Sunday. From the early hours of the day, devotees, after taking holy baths, thronged Shiva temples and performed special poojas, abhishekams and archanas to Lord Shankar. Many devout Hindus observed daylong fasts to mark the occasion. Major Shiva temples reverberated with chants of 'Om Namah Shivaya' as thousands of devotees offered prayers.  Large gatherings were witnessed at prominent temples.Considered one of the most sacred occasions for devotees of Lord Shiva, the day is marked by fasting, special prayers and night-long worship at temples. Thousands of devotees take holy dips at pilgrim sites, seeking blessings for peace and prosperity.

VIDEO | Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu: Devotees thronged Ramanathaswamy Temple on the occasion of Maha Shivaratri.

(Full video available on https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/DM34lYCqNE

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President Droupadi Murmu, Vice President C P Radhakrishnan and Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended wishes to the citizens on the occasion of Mahashivratri. The President, in her message prayed that the grace of Lord Shiva remain on all citizens and India continues to advance on the path of progress.
The Vice President, in a social media post, said, from Kashi to Rameswaram, the holy festival stands as a living symbol of the nation’s eternal and unbroken spiritual tradition. Radhakrishnan wished that the blessings of Mahadev and Goddess Parvati bring happiness, prosperity, and good health to the citizens.
The Prime Minister, in his message, expressed hope that all the citizens are blessed by Lord Shiva and the country sits enthroned at the peak of prosperity.