Arvind Sharma / Aatif Qayoom
Jammu/Srinagar, Mar 08: The festival of Maha Shivaratri was celebrated with fervor across Jammu region today with Lord Shiva devotees thronging Shiv Temples, especially the ‘Aap Shambhu’ temples since early morning to pay their obeisance.
Devotees in large numbers gathered at various Shiv Temples across Jammu including Aap Shambu Temple at Roop Nagar, Peerkho Temple, Jammu, the historic Raghunath Temple in Jammu City, Shiv Dham, Shiv Parvati Temple, and the Shiv Temple at Purmandal, which is about 40 kms away from Jammu.
In Jammu City, the historic Ranbireshawar Temple was thronged by the largest ever number of devotees in the past some years.
The devotees started visiting the historic temple around 4 AM in the morning. As the rush increased, long ques of devotees were seen chanting ‘Har- Mahadev’ throughout the day.
The devotees offered ‘Bhel Patri, Bhang, flowers, Chandan to Lord Shiva.
Jhankis of ‘Shiv Baraat’ were also taken out in Jammu which passed through the main areas of the city. The Shiv Baraat was taken out after performing religious rituals and prayers in the temples.
Langars offering Prasad were also organized by the devotees across Jammu across all roads and localities.
Meanwhile, the Directorate of Tourism Jammu in collaboration with JKAACL and District Administration Jammu, Samba and Reasi also organised the Mahashivratri Mahotsav.
The celebrations were also marked at the revered temple Peer Kho and Panchvaktar Mahadev Temple in Jammu.
Meanwhile,Maha Shivratri, locally known as ‘Herath’, was celebrated with religious fervour and gaiety across Kashmir on Friday. On this occasion, devotees from the Kashmiri Pandit community performed a night-long Pooja of Lord Shiva and his consort Goddess Parvati.
The festival’s largest gathering took place at Shankaracharya Temple in Srinagar, overlooking the famous Dal Lake. Throughout the day, devotees in huge numbers thronged the temples and offered special prayers at Ganpatyar and Hanuman Temple in Amira Kadal.
Devotees from various parts of the country gathered at the Shankaracharya temple to pay their respects, praying for peace and prosperity to prevail in Kashmir. “We prayed for peace to prevail in Kashmir along with other parts of the world,” said a devotee from Srinagar who visited both temples today.
Rohit Raina, a local belonging to the pandit community expressed gratitude for the greeting messages received from Muslim brothers.
Meanwhile, the authorities had made elaborate arrangements for pilgrims at Srinagar temples, with a contingent of police and CRPF deployed for security purposes. Devotees were seen offering milk, ghee, bel leaves, and water to Shivlingam and chanting Vedic mantras for peace and the well-being of humanity.
Pertinent to mention here, the festival holds significant importance for the Kashmiri Pandit community who celebrate it by cooking traditional Kashmiri food, especially fish, to commemorate Lord Shiva’s marriage to Parvati. Rainfall or snow on this day is regarded as a positive omen.
As a symbol of reverence to the Hindu deities, Pandits distribute soaked walnuts on this occasion. The downpour on Shivratri, according to Rohit Raina, a Kashmiri Pandit living in the Rajbagh area of the city, was “overpowering” and a good omen.
Rainfall on the eve of Shivratri was the finest thing they could have hoped for, providing joy and hope for stronger bonds between all communities.
Meanwhile,The festival of Maha Shivratri was celebrated with religious zeal and zest at the Kheer Bhawani Temple in Tulmullah area of Ganderbal district on friday. The temple witnessed fervent celebrations of the festival while the devotees in large numbers, including Kashmiri Pandits, congregated at the temple to honor Mata Ragniya Devi, affectionately referred to as Mata Kheer Bhawani.
The temple grounds reverberated with prayers and chants as devotees prayed for peace and prosperity in the region. Notable among the attendees was Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal Shyambir, who participated in the rituals, extending his wishes for the welfare of all.
Adding to the jubilation, Kashmiri Pandits marked their return to Ganderbal after 35 years by presenting a ceremonial display, known as jhanki, during the Shivratri festivities. SSP Ganderbal, Sundeep Gupta, along with officers from the police and civil departments, joined the congregation, emphasizing the significance of communal harmony.
Similar celebrations were observed at the Hari Krishna Mandir Nunarwhere prayers were offered for the tranquility of Kashmir. Local Muslims expressed joy at the resurgence of pre-1989 camaraderie, reminiscent of a time marked by peace and fraternity in the valley.
In response to the occasion, SSP Ganderbal, Sandeep Gupta, extended warm wishes to all Kashmiri Pandits, echoing the sentiment of communal amity and goodwill permeating the festivities.
DGP J&K, IGP Kashmir extend greetings on Maha Shivratri
Jammu, Mar 08: Director General of Police, J&K, R.R Swain extended heartfelt greetings to the citizens, police personnel, security forces and the families of martyrs on the auspicious occasion of Maha Shivratri.
In his message the DGP, J&K said that Maha Shivratri holds profound significance, symbolizing strength, determination, and resilience.
“As we celebrate this auspicious day, let us remember and honour the valour of our police personnel and pay tribute to martyrs who have laid down their lives in the line of duty,” he said.
He urged the citizens to join hands with the police force in fostering a secure environment for all. “Together, let us uphold the values that Maha Shivratri signifies, unity, integrity, and a commitment to justice,“ he said.
Meanwhile, Inspector General of Police Kashmir Range V K Birdi on Friday greeted people, police and security personnel on the occasion of MahaShivratri.
In a post on X, While quoting IGP Kashmir Kashmir Zone Police said, ” IGP Kashmir extends warm greetings to the people of valley and police/security forces personnel on MahaShivratri. Wishing everyone a blissful festival, he hopes it fosters joy, happiness, and strengthens brotherhood and communal harmony in the valley..”.
