Shivaratri: Devotees flock to Pashupatinath, 4,000 security personnel deployed, vehicle diversions (with photos)
Mahashivaratri festival, which is celebrated every year on the day of Krishna Chaturdashi, is being celebrated all over the country by worshiping Lord Shiva.
KATHMANDU: On the auspicious occasion of Mahashivratri, celebrated today, Friday, Falgun 25, 2080, devotees across the nation are fervently worshipping and honoring Lord Shiva, including at the revered Pashupatinath Temple.
Mahashivaratri festival, which is celebrated every year on the day of Krishna Chaturdashi, is being celebrated all over the country by worshiping Lord Shiva.
But since Brahma assumes the form of Shiva at midnight on the day of Falgun Krishna Chaturdashi, there is a scriptural promise that if one worships, adores on the day of Chaturdashi at midnight, one will attain happiness, peace and prosperity in this world.
Today, adherents of the Baidik Santan Hindu religion have been observing the auspicious occasion of Shivaratri with reverence.
Following a morning ritual of bathing in rivers, ponds, and lakes, devotees visit Shivalayas to worship Lord Shiva.
This festival, named after the night of Shivaji’s birth, holds significance as one of the four major nights mentioned in scriptures like the Shiva Purana—Kalratri, Moharatri, Sukharatri, and Shivaratri.
Falling on Falgun Krishna Chaturdashi, it is deemed as the most beloved day of Lord Shiva, Ashutosh, known for bringing solace and spirituality to the suffering.
On this day, devotees gather at Pashupatinath Temple, where, at four hours of the night, they partake in four types of worship: Mahadeep, Akhanddeep, Lakshyabatti, and Dipotsav, alongside the offering of lakhs of Belpatra.
Meanwhile, classical dance performances grace the music ashrams of Kailashkut and Kiranteshwar.
Pilgrims from various regions of the country and neighboring India converge at Pashupatinath Temple today to seek woprship of Lord Shri Mahadev and immerse themselves in the Shivaratri festival.
Similarly, Shiva temples nationwide attract pilgrims in large numbers.
Devotees flock to Shiva temples nationwide, including Pashupatinath
Devotees lined up for worship from 3 am in the Pashupati area, which was crowded since Thursday night. They have queued for a long time to visit Pashupati.
Pilgrims from different parts of the country and neighboring countries of India have also come to the Pashupatinath temple.
4,000 security persons mobilized at Pashupati area
The Kathmandu Valley Police Office has mobilized over 4,000 security persons at Pashupati area for the Mahashivaratri festival.
An integrated special security plan was put in place for the festival.
Office spokesperson Senior Superintendent of Police Dinesh Raj Mainali informed in addition to security persons, drones were mobilized for the security.
The security arrangement is made at three layers.
They are at work from Thursday night to Saturday.
Superintendent of Police at District Police Premises Kathmandu, Nabaraj Adhikari, is leading the security mobilization.
Emergency and rescue teams along with ambulance are standby in case of need.
Vehicle diversions implemented in Pashupati Area
Due to the expected increase in the number of visitors to Pashupati on Shivaratri, the police have announced diversions for vehicles.
Authorities have initiated vehicle diversions towards Gaushala through Chabahil, Old Baneshwor, Gyaneshwor, Maitidevi Chowk, Ratopul, Setopul, Kalopul, Sifal Chaur, Kutubahal, Gaurighat, and Tilganga, as per the necessity.
Additionally, for cargo vehicles, diversions have been arranged via Thimi-Kalanki, Jorpati Narayanthan, Chuchepati, Chabahil, Sinamangal Bridge, and Basundhara.
In furtherance of the traffic management efforts for Friday’s vehicular arrangements in the Gaushala area, spokesperson for the Kathmandu Metropolitan Traffic Police and Senior Inspector Jeevan Kumar Shrestha has urged all drivers for their cooperation.
