On the auspicious day of Maha Shivaratri Lord Shiva was married to Goddess Parvati. Maha Shivaratri falls on the moonless 14th night of the new moon in the month of Phalgun, which corresponds to the month of February - March in English Calendar.
Devotees worship Lord Siva throughout the night and bathe the Sivalinga with five tasty things- milk, curds, sugar, ghee and honey (panchamrta) amidst chanting of mantra "Om Namas Sivaya".
On Maha Shivratri festival devotees take a ritual bath (some devotees especially plan so as to take bath in river Ganga on his auspicious occasion). Devotees observe fast and offer fruits, flowers and bel leaves on Shiva Linga.
In Jammu the Ranbireshwar Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is specially decorated for the occasion. Through out the day a heavy rush of devotees visit the temple to seek Divine Blessings.
The occasion is also marked by a Festival at Shiv Khori Shrine situated on a hillock in Ransoo village of Tehsil Reasi of the Udhampur District in Jammu region of the Jammu & Kashmir State ... know about more about 'Shiv Khori Festival' |
