SATV Feb 26,Kathmandu: The country is observing the auspicious Mahashivaratri festival today, a celebration named after the night of Lord Shiva's origin. Devotees across Nepal and even from neighboring country India are gathering at Shiva temples to perform rituals, worship, and seek blessings.

Celebrated annually on the Krishna Chaturdashi of the month of Falgun, Mahashivaratri marks the day when Lord Shiva took his divine form at midnight. According to sacred scriptures, performing puja, prayer, and darshan during this time brings peace and prosperity in this life and ensures a favorable afterlife. This festival, also known by other names such as "Kala Ratri," "Moha Ratri(night of love)," and "Shiv Ratri," is one of the four major nights in Hindu tradition, and its significance is elaborated in texts like the Shiva Purana.

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On this night, which symbolizes the triumph of positive energy over negative forces, it is believed that as the Rudra aspect of Lord Shiva remains active, the season also marks the renewal of life in nature. Just as trees begin to sprout new leaves in the wake of the divine Shiva energy, this night is considered sacred for planting seeds of faith and morality in the hearts of the needy.

Among the most revered vows, Mahashivaratri is a time when devotees fast, stay awake all night, and offer special items like milk, dhaturo (a sacred plant), and belpatra (a type of leaf) to Lord Shiva. Many also observe a strict fast, believing that doing so ensures divine favor and protection from the realm of death. Additionally, it is customary to light bonfires at homes, public squares, and temples, offering prayers and prasads as a sign of devotion.

The occasion also holds immense cultural significance. At the Pashupatinath Temple, one of the most important religious sites in Nepal, elaborate rituals are carried out across four phases of the night, including the lighting of lamps, offering of belpatra, and the performance of devotional dances at various spiritual centers like Kailashkut and Kirateshwar.

This year, large numbers of devotees from across Nepal and neighboring India have thronged Pashupatinath Temple, with the temple opening its gates at 2 AM for continuous access to pilgrims. Devotees are seen queuing up early in the morning, eager to experience the spiritual atmosphere of the temple.

Professor Devmani Bhattarai, a scholar of religious texts and a member of the Nepal Panchang Decision Committee, emphasized the importance of the four phases of worship, known as "prahar puja," which are observed at Pashupatinath Temple and several other shrines across the country. The first phase of worship begins around 6 PM, with each subsequent phase taking place at intervals throughout the night, concluding around 6 AM.

To ensure the comfort and safety of the thousands of pilgrims, the Pashupati Area Development Trust has made special arrangements. In accordance with regulations established seven years ago, the use and sale of substances like cannabis, bhang, and dhatura have been strictly prohibited within the area, with security personnel actively enforcing the law.

With around 5,000 security personnel deployed for maintaining law and order, the authorities are committed to preserving peace and ensuring that the sacred celebration is observed without any disturbances.

As Mahashivaratri continues to inspire devotion, the festival also reflects Nepal's deep spiritual roots and cultural heritage.