Maha Shivaratri being observed nationwide today

Kathmandu, Feb 15: The Maha Shivaratri festival is being celebrated across the country today. 

The day that falls on Falgun Krishna Chaturdashi, the fourteenth day of the first half of the lunar month of Falgun, is considered the most auspicious for Lord Shiva. 

From early morning, devotees have been taking ritual baths in rivers and ponds, visiting Shiva temples, and offering prayers. 

On the occasion of Maha Shivaratri, the Pashulati Area Development Trust (PADT) has announced that all four gates of Pashupatinath temple have been kept open since 2:00 am this morning. 

Last year, more than one million devotees had visited the Pashupati area on Maha Shivaratri. 

The PADT has announced that this year, three external lines have been arranged for offering worships at Pashupatinath for Maha Shivaratri. 

One line from Mitrapark–Gaurighat, Umakund–Dakshinamurti via Rudragadeshwar North Gate, and another from Battisputali–Gaushala, Tribhuvan International Airport–Tilganga, Pingalasthan–Sumargi Bhawan front through four temples–Panchdeval via South Gate, making two lines from the South Gate for external entry into the main temple premises have been arranged. 

Another line on the west side will be arranged to enter the main temple from the footwear area via Banikali slope. If necessary, a line towards Tilganga Rammandir may also be arranged, the PADT said. 

After entering the main temple premises, three internal lines from the north and south and four from the west are being managed.

Parking arrangements for devotees visiting the temple have been made at Sifal, Tilganga, beyond Guheshwari, office of the PADT, and Banakali, among other places. 

Today, along with Pashupatinath, there is also a crowd of devotees at Shiva temples in the valley such as Gokarneshwor and Dolewhar. Similarly, there is a throng of devotees performing prayers and worships with great enthusiasm at Shiva temples outside the capital as well. (RSS)