Jammu celebrates Mahashivratri sans rain

Tribune News Service

Jammu, February 24

Jammu celebrated Mahashivratri sans rain today. Langars and bhandaras (community kitchens) were organised at various places.

All shrines of Lord Shiva, including ancient temples, which were decorated with colourful lightings and buntings, witnessed a huge rush as devotees in thousands thronged to offer prayers since early morning.

According to the Hindu mythology, Shivratri holds immense importance in the religion and the festival celebrates the marriage of Lord Shiva with Goddess Parvati and it is strongly believed that rain always occurs on Shivratri. Religious experts believe that a dry day on Shivratri gives some negative vibes. Met experts say the climate change is the main reason behind it.

“It is not a good sign that there has been no rain on this auspicious day. The Mahashivratri day has always been blessed with showers in Jammu and Kashmir,” said a priest at a Lord Shiva temple.

Meanwhile, cave shrines and ancient temples of Lord Shiva witnessed heavy rush of devotees across the Jammu region. They thronged the religious places throughout the day to pay obeisance to Lord Shiva on Mahashivratri.

Long queues were seen at all the famous Lord Shiva temples at Aap Shambhu temple in Roopnagar, Peerkho, Ranbireshwar temple in Shalamar and Purmandal. Special rituals were performed at “Shivalingum”. Devotees observed fast and paid obeisance at temples.

A large number of social, religious and political organisations and mahalla and mandir committees had organised langars outside Lord Shiva temples all around the city.