On the eve of the Maha Shivaratri day, thousands of devotees flocked to Kathmandu’s Pashupatinath temple, one of the most sacred Hindu shrines and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Tens of thousands of worshippers, from Nepal, India and elsewhere, flocked to observe the “Great Night of Shiva.” The temple complex was filled with saffron-clad pilgrims, incense smoke and chants, creating a spiritual ambience where the worshipper truly felt the depth of devotion among the people.
Maha Shivaratri, which is conducted on Falgun Krishna Chaturdashi, is one of the holiest nights for Lord Shiva. It is remembered as the night of the Shiva Devotas, the night when Lord Shiva manifested and is counted among the four holy nights, known as Kaalratri, Moharatri, Sukhratri and Shivaratri, according to the Shiva Purana. Prayer given on this night, devotees say, can bring blessings, spiritual growth and liberation.
Hours of long lines lined the temple complex from the beginning of the morning. Countless devotees waited hours to present milk, flowers and prayers to the Shiva Lingam. Saints, sadhus, pilgrims across South Asia flocked to the temple, where it became a worldwide gathering of faith. Security in the facility was also very tight with over 5,000 personnel on site, thousands of volunteers ensuring the safety and the unobstructed flow of the devotees at the center of the movement.
The temple grounds were filled with hymns and chants of “Om Namah Shivaya.” Devotees set up oil lamps, performed rituals and meditated all night. It was festively spiritual at the same time people were showing their devotion through fasting, prayers and offerings. Its colorful sartorial splendors of saffron robes, holy ash and glowing lamps made the festival an incredibly enchanting sight and served the cultural beauty of the festival.
The huge turnout at Pashupatinath temple during Maha Shivaratri symbolizes the constant faith and dedication of millions of Hindus. More than just a religious event, it is a cultural celebration that unites people across borders in reverence for Lord Shiva. Kathmandu witnessed it: once again, she learned from a festival that faith, tradition, and community hold power.
