The Mahashivaratri festival, marking the divine manifestation of Lord Shiva, was celebrated across Nepal on Wednesday (February 26) with sacred rituals, temple visits, and fervent devotion.
Mahashivaratri falls on the fourth day of the dark half of the waning moon in the month of Falgun (mid-February to mid-March) as per the lunar calendar of Nepal. According to religious scriptures, Lord Brahma manifested as Shiva at midnight on this day. Worshipping Lord Shiva at midnight is believed to bring happiness, peace in this life, and salvation in the afterlife, says religious scholar Prof. Dr. Devmani Bhattarai.
Rituals and Religious Beliefs
Devotees of Vedic Sanatan Hinduism begin the day with ritual baths in rivers, ponds, and lakes before heading to Shiva temples for prayers. The festival is mentioned in the Shiva Purana as one of the four sacred nights—Kaalratri, Moharatri, Sukhratri, and Shivaratri.
Mahashivaratri is considered the most auspicious day for Lord Shiva, who is believed to restore order and uplift those in distress. According to religious beliefs, trees and plants that shed leaves in winter due to Shiva’s destructive energy (Rudratva) begin to flourish again in spring due to his benevolent energy (Shivatva).
On this day, devotees fast, offer leaves of the bel plant (Aegle marmelos), milk, and dhaturo (a hallucinogenic plant) to Lord Shiva, and light bonfires, believing that it keeps Shiva warm. Staying awake all night and fasting on Mahashivaratri is thought to bring divine blessings and prevent suffering in the afterlife (Yamalok, the realm of the dead). Devotional songs (bhajans) and hymns (kirtans) are sung around the fires, creating a spiritual atmosphere.
A special Prahar Puja, an overnight worship ritual, is being held at Pashupatinath Temple. This worship, divided into four sessions, involves chanting, meditation, offerings, and Rudra Abhishekam (sacred bath of Shiva Linga). Similar Prahar Pujas are being performed at temples such as Rudreshwor Mahadev in Chabahil, Trigajur Shivalaya in Gaurighat, and Gokarneshwor Mahadev.
Security and Crowd Management
Dr. Milan Kumar Thapa, Member Secretary of the Pashupati Area Development Trust, stated that arrangements have been made for the convenience of over one million devotees expected to visit Pashupatinath today. The use of intoxicants such as marijuana and bhang has been banned in the area for the past seven years, and police are strictly enforcing this rule. Around 5,000 security personnel have been deployed to maintain order.
The temple doors were opened at 2 a.m. on Wednesday to accommodate the influx of worshippers. Some devotees, instead of waiting in long queues, have chosen to view the Gajur, the golden pinnacle atop the temple. According to religious scholar Prof. Dr. Ramchandra Gautam, viewing the Gajur is considered as spiritually rewarding as entering the temple itself.
This year too, as in the previous years, the Pashupati area has been beautifully decorated with flowers and lights, making it especially captivating for visitors in the evening. Flowers used for the decorations have been sourced from both Nepal and abroad. -- RSS
