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| Hindu pilgrims celebrate Maha Shivratri |
SWAT/KARACHI: Hindus all over the world began celebrations for Shivratri on Tuesday, which is the three-day festival when Hindus remember their deity Lord Shiva and celebrate his marriage to Parvati.
Yatris (pilgrims) from all over the country and abroad made their way to the ancient Shiva temple in Gandhian, Mansehra. To celebrate the occasion pilgrims began a 24-hour-long fast at midnight on the 17th, throughout the night they hold vigils. Pilgrims adorn themselves with henna, sing bhajans (devotional songs), pray for their well-being and bathe the ancient 8-foot tall Shiv Ling – a black stone used as a representation of Shiva – with milk.
Pilgrims who arrived at the Shiva Temple thanked the government of Pakistan for the fool-proof security provided and said they felt comfortable knowing there is security presence for them.
“I thank the Government of Pakistan from the bottom of my heart for providing us security” said Ashok Chand, the Secretary General of the All Pakistan Minority Hindu Rights Movement (APHRM).
The Shiva Mandir in Chitti Gatti a small settlement near Gandhian, Mansehra is one the oldest Hindu temples in Paksitan dating back to the pre-partition era. It is not certain when the temple was first erected on the site but experts believe the Shiva Lingam (black stone) at the temple is 2000 years old. It is also the 3rd largest temple in the world due to the size of the Shiva Lingam. The temple became derelict over time and has seen restoration work done in the past and also after the 2005 earthquake that ravaged Pakistan.
The Hindu pilgrims who visit the temple say, the Muslim community has been very supportive and accommodating towards them.
In Karachi, Hindu pilgrims celebrated Maha Shivaratri at the 150-year-old Shri Ratneshwar Mahadev Mandir. The temple was decorated with flowers and colourful balloons. Thousands of devotees attended the celebrations which will continue for another two days.
They said they wait all year long preparing to celebrate Shivratri. Explaining the importance of Shivratri for Hindus, Pandit Ravi Ramesh told that devotees all over the world hope to attend Shivratri celebrations.
Pilgrims at the temple prayed for peace to prevail in Pakistan and for Pakistanis of all sects and religious beliefs to live in harmony and peace.
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