Devout Hindus celebrates Mahashivratri

Devout Hindus revelled in the festive spirit, as thousands of devotees thronged temples and congregated on the banks of holy rivers across the country on Thursday to celebrate the festival of 'Mahashivratri'.

The pilgrims and devotees chanted holy words-"Bol Bum" and "Har Har Mahadev"-in praise of Lord Shiva, as they took holy dips in the sacred Triveni Sangam, confluence of three rivers - Ganges, Yamuna, and Saraswati in Allahabad.

A priest, Gopal Tyagi, said devout Hindus take a holy dip to attain salvation on the auspicious occasion.

"On the occasion of Mahashivratri, devotees have come from nearby as well as far off places to take holy dip and will make religious offerings. They will also pray before Lord Shiva through which they will attain salvation, peace and harmony for the entire family. All their wishes will also come true on this auspicious day," said Tyagi.

The magnificently decorated temples in the holy town of Ayodhya also witnessed a crowd of devotees, as they flocked in large numbers to offer prayers to Lord Shiva.

"There is lot of enthusiasm in the people and all the people of Ayodhya have revelled in the festive spirit of Mahashivratri," said a devotee, Kalpana.

The Mahakaleshwar Temple of Ujjain immersed into devotional spirit of prayer and worship on the occasion.

"On the occasion of Mahashivratri, the idol of Lord Shiva was decorated and milk and other religious offerings were offered. Flowers and fruits were also offered before the idol. The devotees also presented a garland of rupees as many have thronged the temple to offer their prayers," said temple priest, Om Guru.

Devotees also queued up at temple to offer prayers to Lord Shiva in Varanasi.

"On the occasion of Mahashivratri, we offer prayers to Lord Shiva and offer holy water. We also chant the religious hymns," said a devotee, Kalyan.