GUWAHATI, March 4 - Maha Shivaratri was celebrated throughout the State with traditional gaiety and religious fervour, with devotees paying obeisance to Shiva, one of the deities of the Hindu trinity, since early morning today.
The city was also soaked in the Shivaratri spirit since early morning, and as the day progressed, devotees were seen in serpentine queues outside Shiva temples waiting for their turn to pay their offerings to the Lord.
Maha Shivaratri rituals include observing fast during day and night, performing a ritualistic bath of the Shivalinga with water, milk, honey and ghee, offering belpatra, flowers, and special offering of bhang and dhatura (believed to be favourite items to satisfy the Lord). Maha Shivaratri holds a special significance for the worshippers, who perform bhajans and sing devotional songs praising Shiva for the entire night.
The Umananda Temple in the middle of the Brahmaputra witnessed a huge rush of devotees and the district administration of Kamrup (Metro) made special arrangements to ensure smooth management of the crowd.
Sukleswar Temple, Kamakhya Temple, Basistha Temple, Lankeshwar Temple, Hanuman Temple and other temples of Lord Shiva at Panjabari, Chenikuthi, Shaktigarh and many other areas also witnessed the rush of devotees. Puja was also performed at numerous small temples and designated spaces on the roadsides throughout the city.
Prajapita Brahmakumari Ishwariya Biswabidyalaya, Paltan Bazar branch had launched its Maha Shivaratri celebrations earlier on March 1, said a press release today.
Director of its North East and Bangladesh part Rajyogini Shila Behenji hoisted the university�s flag to mark the beginning of the celebration. This was followed by a meeting to discuss the significance of Maha Shivaratri. Veteran journalist DN Chakravartty and social worker Ajoy Dutta were the distinguished speakers.
Dutta spoke on the impacts of mothers on their offspring. Rajyogini Shila Behenji explained the difference between Shiva and Sankara.
