Srinagar: A large number of devotees thronged Shankaracharya Temple in Srinagar to pay obeisance on the occasion of Maha Shivratri which is being celebrated with religious fervour.
Shivratri is celebrated as Herath in Kashmir and Kashmiri pandits offer night long puja. As part of the distinct Herath celebrations in the valley , Pandits pray with the offering of walnuts, which are placed in a ‘watuk’ (earthen pot).
Authorities in Srinagar had made adequate arrangements for those visiting the temples.
Tourists including men, women and children were seen in long queues awaiting their entry to pay obeisance at the Shankaracharya temple overlooking the famous Dal Lake in Srinagar.
“For a long time we were planning to visit the Shankaracharya temple to pay obeisance on the occasion of Shivratri but could not happen due to busy schedule of my husband,” a devotee said and added “this time with the blessings ‘Bolenath’ it could became possible”.
She said they reached here around 3 am to perform the pooja and Hawan. “It is a very special occasion for us and we feel inner peace”, she said and praised the arrangements made by the authorities at the temple.
A student from Delhi who had come for holidays in Kashmir said she prayed for the result of her examination papers she attended should come out with good marks. She also said had prayed for peace and prosperity everywhere.
UNI
