Hindu devotees are observing the Mahashivaratri festival by conducting prayers and worshipping Lord Shiva today, on the day of Falgun Krishna Chaturdashi (the fourth day of the waning moon in the month of Falgun) as per the lunar calendar.
Chairperson of Nepal Calendar Determination Committee, Ramchandra Gautam, told RSS that Lord Brahma took the form of Shiva at midnight of Krishna Chaturdashi of Falgun. So this day is observed with prayers and paying obeisance to Lord Shiva's temples. Hindus believe that the observation of Mahashivaratri brings peace and prosperity to one's life.
From early morning today, Hindu devotees take a bath in rivers and ponds and pay obeisance to Lord Shiva's shrines. The Shiva Purana has mentioned that Mahashivaratri is the holy festival as Kalaratri, Moharatri and Shukharatri.
The day is regarded as the most favourite day of Lord Shiva, who brings happiness to the heart of those living in difficulty.
Even fasting is observed today and the night is observed with vigil (jagram), praying and celebrating Lord Shiva. There is a religious belief that vigil and fasting take one to heaven after death.
Similarly, there is a belief that Lord Shiva faced too much cold today, so people make fires at home, in public squares and temples; chant hymns and take prasad.
Classical dances are performed at Kailashkut and Kirateshwor of the Pashupatinath temple area in Kathmandu.
The Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu is thronged by devotees from across the country and neighbouring India.
Meanwhile, Pashupati Area Development Trust (PADT) has said it has made a special arrangement to facilitate devotees. All four gates of the temple will be opened from 4:00 am on Thursday.
It has been noted that marijuana has been banned in the Pashupatinath area for the past three years, which will continue this year too.
There will be three major queues for devotees to wait for their turn to reach the main temple.
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