PINAKI MAJUMDAR
Jamshedpur, March 1: Temples in the steel city and its adjoining areas witnessed a huge rush of devotees flocking for Shivaratri celebration on Tuesday. People observed fast and offered prayers at different temples of Lord Shiva.
The chants of ‘Om Namah Shivay’ reverberated. The festival celebrates the convergence of Shiva and Shakti on the Krishna Paksha Chaturdashi of Hindu calendar month Maagha.
Women observe fast and offer prayers both to Lord Shiva and Parvati to seek a blissful married life.
Among the many legends associated with Maha Shivratri are the marriage of Shiva and Shakti and Ganga’s descend from the heavens to the earth. Maha Shivratri also marks the night when Lord Shiva performed the ‘Tandava” dance.
According to the Hindu Mythology, Maha Shivratri is associated with the marriage of Shiva and Parvati and is observed on the 13th night /14th day of the Hindu month of Phalguna or Maagh every year.
Safety arrangements were made at the Shiva temple stop Dalma hills for Shivratri.
The 8 km route from Fadlugora to the Shiva temple on top of the hills, was lit up for the convenience of devitees who started climbing up the hills from Monday night.
All visitors were frisked at Fadlugora and Makulakocha.
Dalma range officials said two generator sets were used to temporarily install lights on the route.
Shivratri fetches revenues for Ranchi wildlife division, which looks after the Dalma reserve.
A large number of devotees also flocked to the Joida Temple along NH-33 between Chandil and Jamshedpur this year.
Proper security arrangements were also made at Joida for the safety of devotees. Devotees flocked at the temple in Joida for Shivaratri celebrations on Tuesday.
