Mahashivratri celebrated in city with great fervour

NAVI MUMBAI: Thousands of residents in Navi Mumbai flocked to Shiv temples to celebrate Mahashivratri, considered auspicious in the Hindu calendar. It was a common sight in the city to see devotees waiting in long queues at temples in Vashi, Belapur, Koparkhairane and Panvel. Though many opted for an early morning visit to avoid the crowds. Celebrations for the ‘great night of Shiva’ started early in the morning and continued late into the night. Many of the temples opted for elaborate floral decorations and ostentatious lighting to celebrate the day. Makeshift pandals were erected and, in some places, devotees were served a simple lunch specially prepared for the occaision. Many were seen managing the queue, distributing prasad and even serving lunch. The day celebrates the marriage of Lord Shiva and Shakti. "It is also the day when Shiva performed the tandava or the cosmic dance,” explained Bharat Gandhi, a Vashi resident and a frequent visitor to the local Shiv temple. While most visitors opt for the traditional puja, there are some who insist on bathing the lingam in holy water, milk, honey and Bel leaves. “This is symbolic of cleansing one's soul as well and is considered very auspicious,” added Jitesh Kumar, another resident. Locals also offer fruits and burned incense, as part of the puja. Some devotees also explained that the constant ringing of temple bells coupled with chanting of holy prayers was like a call. Circling the lingam seven times and then offering water or milk is considered a sign of deep reverance to Lord Shiva, they added. Some devotees were also seen sporting the three stripes of holy ash, known as tripundra, symbolising spiritual knowledge, purity and penance. Many devotees also fast on this day, as they believe that fasting cleanses one of all sins. “It is more of a spiritual benefit than a materialistic gain and it is not a must,” said Sheila Nair, a resident of Sanpada.