Maha Shivaratri

Maha Shivaratri is one of the major festival of Nepal. It is a national holiday. This festival is celebrated annually in honor of God Shiva. Maha Shivaratri means “the Great Night of Shiva” This festival is solemn and marks a remembrance of “overcoming darkness and ignorance” in life and the world. Unlike most Hindu festivals which are celebrated during the day, Maha Shivaratri is celebrated at night. This festival is celebrated widely in Shiva temples all over the country, but especially in the Pashupatinath temple. Thousands of devotees visit Pashupatinath Temple to celebrate Maha Shivaratri. Pashupatinath is considered as the Guardian and Protector of the Kathmandu Valley and Nepal. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva in the form of Pashupati, Lord of the Animals. It is believed that Lord Shiva roamed as a deer in the forests in the area. The temple is open only to Hindus with several shrines and pavilions where yogis and priests chant or meditate. Many devotees spend the night around the temple, lighting sacred fires, chanting “Om Namah Shivay” and “Mahamritunjaya”. The celebration begins at midnight with priests offering to Lord Shiva in the temple. On this day, Beal Leaf (Marmelos leaf), Vermilion paste (Chandan), Food, Incense, Oil Lamp (Diyo), Betel Leaves are offered to Lord Shiva. On this day married women pray for the well being of their husbands, while unmarried women pray for a husband like Shiva, considered as the ideal husband. Devotees from all over Nepal and India visit Pashupatinath. Large number of Shadus come to Pashupatinath. Different types of Shadus can be seen around Pashapupati and its surroundings. Shadus cover themselves with bhibhuti (Ashes). Shadhus are said to have mastered the pain of heat, cold and sufferings and have devoted their life to Lord Shiva. It is not unusual to see naked shadus blessing the devotees. They smoke weeds as a divine gift of Lord Shiva.