Jammu: Like other parts of the country, Maha Shivratri was celebrated across Jammu and Kashmir with religious fervour and enthusiasm.
The auspicious occasion, which is celebrated to mark mythological marriage of Lord Shiva with Goddess Parvati, witnessed prayers in temples with devotees offering water on Shivlingam, taking out religious processions and organizing of Langars etc.
Since the wee hours today, there was heavy rush of devotees in all the prominent Shiv temples.
People from different age groups, including children, young and elders, thronged the Shiv temples for paying obeisance and offering water mixed with milk on the holy Shivlingam.
The devotees especially offered Bael and Bael Patri (Golden Apple and its leaves) to Lord Shiva while chanting ‘Om Namah Shivaya’. All the Shiv temples were well decorated for the occasion. Several devotees also observed fast.
In Jammu, huge rush was witnessed at Ranbireshwar Temple, Peer Kho near Tawi and Aap Shambhu at Roop Nagar, which were specially decorated for the occasion. Through out the day, devotees kept visiting these temples to seek divine blessings of Lord Shiva.
The devotees were seen waiting in queues for their turn to reach near the Shivlingam for paying obeisance and offering water with flowers.
To facilitate the devotees, the administration had also made elaborate arrangements besides ensuring adequate security around the temples to ensure peaceful conduct of religious celebration. Individuals and organizations had organized Bhandaras near the temples where people were served sweets and light refreshment.
In Kashmir, Local Hindus, who are a minority in the valley, visited the Shankaracharya temple atop Zabarwan hills here early in the morning to pay obeisance to Lord Shiva, officials said.
Dozens of tourists also visited the temple to observe Mahashivaratri. Devotees also offered prayers at the Martand Sun temple in South Kashmir’s Anantnag district.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah extended Mahashivaratri greetings to the Hindu community.
“Wishing everyone a blessed and Happy Maha Shivratri! May this sacred occasion bring peace, prosperity, and divine blessings to all and guide us towards strength, wisdom, and harmony,” Abdullah said in a post on X.
Hurriyat Conference Chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq also extended Herath wishes to Kashmiri Pandit community. Herath is celebrated by Kashmiri Pandits a day ahead of Mahashivaratri.
“Warm greetings to our Kashmiri pandit brethren on the occasion of Herath. Pray for restoration of the bond of love and coexistence that is an inherent component of our shared heritage,” Mirwaiz posted on his X account.
