Kathmandu [Nepal], February 26 : Nepal celebrated Maha Shivaratri with deep devotion, prayer, and rituals. Devotees lined up in long queues at the Pashupatinath Temple to offer incense, milk, butter lamps, sacred water, and other offerings to Lord Shiva. "I came here for peace and happiness," said Tek Raj Khanal, a devotee who performed rituals at the temple.
Maha Shivaratri, the "Great Night of Lord Shiva," is marked by staying awake, praying, and meditating, especially at the Pashupatinath Temple. Pilgrims, including ascetics and visitors from Nepal, India, and beyond, gathered to honor Lord Shiva. "I feel blessed to be here," said Manoj Kumar, an Indian devotee.
The Pashupatinath Temple, built in the classic Nepali pagoda style with a gold-plated roof, is about 2,000 years old. The name Pashupatinath means "Lord of all living beings" in Sanskrit. The temple is a symbol of Nepal’s cultural and religious heritage, visited by both Hindus and Buddhists, strengthening religious harmony.
Maha Shivaratri is celebrated on the midnight of Falgun Krishna Chaturdashi. Devotees take holy baths, offer prayers, and perform rituals to honor Lord Shiva, seeking spiritual fulfillment and liberation. Bonfires, sacred chants, and hymns accompany the night’s festivities at the temple. The night is divided into four phases of worship, including grand offerings of lamps and continuous lighting ceremonies, while traditional music and dance enrich the celebrations.
