Millions of devotees converge at temples throughout the nation on the auspicious occasion of Mahashivratri

At the 12 Jyotirlingas, including Kashi Vishwanath and Somnath, Hindus took Darshan with spiritual emotion of their revered Deity

New Delhi – On the auspicious occasion of Mahashivratri, Shiva temples across the country, including Maharashtra, were adorned with vibrant decorations. Devotees of Deity Shiva gathered in a multitude at various temples from the midnight of 7th March, seeking the Divine presence on this sacred night. Millions of Hindus embarked on an emotional pilgrimage to witness the Divine Darshan of their revered Deity at the 12 Jyotirlingas scattered across the nation, including the sacred sites of Kashi Vishwanath in Varanasi and Somnath in Gujarat. In Maharashtra, devotees formed long queues at Ghrishneshwar in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar District, Bhimashankar in Pune District, Trimbakeshwar in Nashik District, and Aundha Nagnath in Hingoli, all eager to partake in the Divine Darshan festivities.

The official Maha Puja was conducted at Aundha Nagnath, the revered eighth Jyotirlinga

On the auspicious occasion of Mahashivratri at Bhimashankar, a Government-led Maha Puja took place at midnight on 7th March. Devotees from all corners of the country flocked to Bhimashankar in large numbers, enthusiastically chanting ‘Har Har Mahadev, Bam Bam Bhole’ while seeking Darshan of Mahadev. At Aundha Nagnath Temple, housing the eighth Jyotirlinga, the Shivlinga was artistically adorned with mangoes. The temple showcased an underground Shivalinga, embellished with flowers and this year’s fresh mangoes, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the Divine Shivlinga.

Devotees took Darshan of the Guptalinga in Jejuri with spiritual emotion

The temple in Jejuri opens its three Guptalingas for Darshan only once a year, specifically on Mahashivratri. Devotees eagerly gathered since the morning to witness the Guptalinga. The Khanderaya Temple proudly houses a Guptalinga in its nave and pinnacle. According to the devotees, Mahashivratri is the day when all three worlds — Bhuloka, Patal loka, and Swargaloka — are believed to be visible, adding to the significance of this sacred day.