KATHMANDU, NEPAL, February 24, 2009: Around four million devotees from within and outside the country visited the revered Hindu temple of Pashupati Nath on the occasion of Maha Shivaratri on Monday.
Devotees had lined up to Old Baneswor and Chabahil to get a chance for worship in the temple from as early as 3 am. Devotees had to stand in line for more than six hours.
About 150 sadhus, less than expected, had come from different parts of India at the Pashupati. Foreigners were also seen dancing to the tunes of Nepali devotional songs. For the first time in the Nepal’s history, President Ram Baran Yadav offered puja as the Head of the State at the temple. President Yadav was welcomed by the devotees with a huge applaud. Most of the TV channels and FM radios were broadcasting the event live from Pashupati.
FIJI, February 24, 2009: For Mahasivaratri, many temples in Fiji observe a three-night festival which culminates with a grand prayer ceremony on the last night.
Devotees strongly believe that sincere worship of Lord Shiva on the auspicious day of Shivaratri, absolves a person of sins and liberates him from the cycle of birth and death. Shivaratri is considered especially auspicious for women. While married women pray for the well being of their husbands unmarried women pray for a husband like Lord Shiva, who is regarded as the ideal husband.
Devotees also offer 108 Bilwa leaves to the Shiva Linga to seek blessings. These leaves are believed to be the best offering for Lord Shiva and have great significance as highlighted in the Shiv Puranas.
Source: www.nepalmountainnews.com
fijidailypost.com
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