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Shiva's sacred night: Devotees illuminate temples and seek blessings on Maha Shivaratri

Last updated on - Feb 26, 2025, 23:21 IST
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Maha Shivratri: What is the significance

Maha Shivaratri, meaning "Great Night of Shiva," is a major Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Shiva, the god of destruction and transformation. It is celebrated annually to honor Shiva and to seek his blessings for spiritual growth, health, and prosperity. (PTI Photo)

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Maha Shivratri: Spiritual importance

​The night is considered to be one of the most spiritually significant nights of the year. Devotees believe that worshiping Shiva on this night can bring about great benefits and remove all obstacles in their lives. (PTI Photo)

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Maha Shivratri: What are the rituals

The primary ritual involves offering prayers, chanting mantras (especially "Om Namah Shivaya"), and bathing Lord Shiva’s idol with water, milk, honey, and other offerings. Devotees also light oil lamps (diyas) and perform puja (worship) throughout the night. (PTI Photo)

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Maha Shivratri celebrations in Srinagar

A huge crowd of devotees gathered at the Shankaracharya Temple in Srinagar to offer prayers during the Maha Shivratri celebrations. (PTI Photo)

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Maha Shivratri celebrations in Jaipur

Devotees wait to offer prayers at Tadkeshwar Mahadev temple on the occasion of Maha Shivratri, in Jaipur. (PTI Photo)

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Kashi Vishwanath temple illuminated

To celebrate the Maha Shivratri, Varanasi's Kashi Vishwanath temple is illuminated. Devotees came there to offer prayers at the temple. (PTI Photo)

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Maha Shivratri celebrations in Gurugram

Devotees perform 'abhishek' of a 'Shivling' at Lord Shiva temple on the occasion of Maha Shivratri, in Gurugram. (PTI Photo)

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