KATHMANDU, Feb 26: Devotees across the country are celebrating the Maha Shivaratri festival today with rituals, prayers, and temple visits, marking the night of Lord Shiva's manifestation.
Every year, devotees worship Lord Shiva on the midnight of Falgun Krishna Chaturdashi. Religious scriptures state that the Supreme Being assumed the form of Shiva at midnight on this day. Religious scholar Prof Dr Devmani Bhattarai said that worshipping and praying to Lord Shiva at this time brings peace in this life and salvation in the afterlife.
Following Vedic Sanatan Hindu traditions, devotees take holy baths in rivers, ponds, and lakes early in the morning before visiting Shiva temples for prayers. Scriptures such as the Shiva Purana mention this festival as one of the four sacred nights—Kalaratri, Moharatri, Sukharatri, and Shivaratri.
People consider Falgun Krishna Chaturdashi an auspicious day when Lord Shiva grants mercy to the poor and distressed. Many believe that Mahadev's destructive force in Magh, which causes trees and plants to shed leaves, transforms into a benevolent force in Falgun, bringing new life. This cycle symbolizes the reason for celebrating Shivaratri.
Fasting and worship on Maha Shivaratri
People regard Maha Shivaratri as the supreme fast. Devotees purify themselves, visit Shiva temples, and offer Lord Shiva his favorite items, including milk, Dhatura flowers, and Bel leaves. They believe that observing a fast and staying awake all night in devotion grants spiritual fulfillment and liberation from the cycle of birth and death. Many communities light bonfires and sing sacred chants and hymns while preparing offerings.
Four phases of worship at Pashupatinath
As a national cultural festival, Maha Shivaratri features four phases of worship throughout the night at Pashupatinath Temple. Grand offerings of lamps, continuous deep-lighting ceremonies, and the dedication of 100,000 Bel leaves accompany the rituals. Traditional music and dance performances take place at the Kailashkut and Kirateshwar music ashrams. Devotees from Nepal and neighboring India gather at Pashupatinath for darshan and festivities.
Religious scholar and Nepal Panchanga Decision Development Committee member Prof Dr Devmani Bhattarai emphasized the significance of the four-phase worship. The first phase begins at 6 PM, followed by the second phase at 9 PM, the third phase at midnight, and the final phase from 3 AM to 6 AM. These worship involve chanting, meditation, offerings, and Rudrabhishek rituals.
Temples with consecrated Shiva idols across Nepal, including Rudreshwar Mahadev Temple in Chabahil, Trigajur Shiva Temple in Gaurighat, Gokarneshwar Mahadev Temple, Nageshwar, and Doleshwor, conduct similar worship.
Security and arrangements at Pashupati
Authorities have made special arrangements to accommodate the influx of devotees at Pashupati, said Dr Milan Kumar Thapa, member secretary of the Pashupati Area Development Trust (PADT). Officials have banned the sale and consumption of intoxicants such as marijuana and Datura for seven years. Those violating this rule face legal action. Around 5,000 security personnel are deployed in the Pashupati area to ensure safety and order.
Pashupatinath temple gates open at 2 AM
On Maha Shivaratri, the four gates of Pashupatinath Temple opened at 2 AM. The PADT has arranged for over a million devotees to have darshan. Some devotees prefer to visit the temple premises and view the golden spire from outside, as this is also considered spiritually rewarding, according to religious scholar Prof Dr Ramchandra Gautam.
This year, decorators adorned the temple premises with flowers and lights, creating a stunning nighttime ambience. Organizers sourced flowers from Nepal and abroad to enhance the decorations.
To streamline temple visits, officials have arranged eight lines inside the temple and four outside. They have designated different routes to manage the crowd effectively. Devotees can enter through various points such as Mitrapark, Gaushala, and Pingalasthan, with systematic queues ensuring smooth movement. Additionally, planners have prepared a separate lane via Tilganga Ram Temple if needed.
Authorities have arranged parking for devotees' vehicles in areas such as Sifal, Tilganga, Guhyeshwari, the Trust office, and Bankali. Alongside Pashupatinath, other Shiva temples in Kathmandu Valley, including Gokarneshwar, Doleshwor, and Nageshwar, are also witnessing large crowds of worshippers. Similarly, Shiva temples outside the valley celebrate the festival with great fervor.