Kathmandu, March 1: Hindus all over the country are celebrating Maha Shivaratri Tuesday by worshiping at various shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Shivaratri, literally the great night of Shiva, is one of the four great nights, with the other three being Kaalratri, Moharatri and Sukharatri, an extremely holy occasion as stated in the Puranas, which are sacred Hindu scriptures.

Several myths and legends regarding Maha Shivatarti are popular among the Hindus. According to one of the most popular ones, Lord Shiva, also worshipped as Mahadev, got married to Goddess Parvati. It is also believed that Shiva performed Tandava – the dance of the primal creation, preservation and destruction – on this auspicious night.
The Linga Purana also emphasises the importance of Shivaratri, stating that this was the day Shiva manifested himself in the form of a linga for the first time.

Hindus all over the world accord high significance to this particular day. It is believed that the devotees who worship Lord Shiva on Maha Shivaratri overcome all sins and attain moksha (liberation).
To mark the occasion and welcome the large number of pilgrims who are expected to arrive, the Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu has been decorated with colourful flowers and electric lights this year.

All pathways leading to the temple are fully decked in rows after rows of marigold and other flowers which shine bright under the Spring Kathmandu sun. Over the main entrance of Pashupatinath, multi-coloured plants have been arranged in the shape of Ganesh and garlands of lilies and orchids hung in various areas have given this religious site the look of a beautiful bride.
Uddhav Prasad Badal, coordinator of the Festival Market and Decoration Sub-committee of the Pashupati Area Development Trust (PADT), informed that the flowers and electric lights had been brought from Kolkata, India in five big trucks.

The floral decorations were also made possible by the donations made by Nepali and Indian Marwadi devotees.
“The donors handled everything related to the import of flowers and lights and also managed workers from Kolkata to put up the decorations. There is no investment from PADT in importing the flowers,” Badal said.

“The people behind these supportive hands and the amount they spent have not yet been identified but decoration budget may be well over Rs. 11.5 million,” said Dr. Milan Kumar Thapa, PADT member secretary.

Adding to Pashupati’s beauty are the holy men, worshippers from various parts of Nepal, India and other countries, as well as tourists who have arrived at the temple to offer prayers. Vendors selling vermillion, tika, Rudraksha beads and other holy items have also reported an uptick in business.