Mahashivratri celebrated with devotion and gaiety in Akhnoor

Akhnoor Celebrates Maha Shivratri with Devotion and Fervour; Special Enthusiasm Witnessed in Temples and Markets

Thousands of Devotees Throng Five Thousand Year-Old Kameshwar Shiv Mandir from Early in Morning

Kulbhushan Singh : The major festival of Maha Shivratri, dedicated to God Shiva, was celebrated on Sunday in Akhnoor and its surrounding areas with devotion, faith and enthusiasm. From early morning, devotees began arriving in large numbers at Shiva temples for darshan and worship. The atmosphere in the temples remained devotional with chants of “Har Har Mahadev.”

According to religious belief, Maha Shivratri symbolizes the sacred union of Lord Shiva and Mata Parvati. The day holds special significance for fasting, meditation and worship. Devotees observed fasts and offered water, milk and bel leaves on the Shivling, praying for the happiness, prosperity and well-being of their families.

The festive spirit was also clearly visible in the city markets. Shops selling flowers, fruits, milk, bel leaves, incense sticks and other पूजा materials witnessed heavy rush throughout the day. Temporary stalls set up on both sides of the roads leading to the temples were seen selling worship materials to devotees. The entire city presented a fair-like scene.

The historic and ancient Kameshwar Shiv Temple of Akhnoor, which is believed to be associated with the Dwapar Yuga, remained a major center of faith for devotees. It is believed that the temple was constructed during the Dwapar Yuga by a king. Along with the Shivling of Lord Shiv Shankar, the temple houses the pindis of Kameshwar Maharaj (Khatu Shyam Ji) and his horse. Devotees perform jalabhishek on all three pindis and pray for the fulfillment of their wishes.

Long queues of devotees were seen in the temple premises. People patiently waited for their turn to perform jalabhishek. Special prayers, Rudrabhishek and bhajan-kirtan were organized. Bhajan-kirtan continued till late at night, keeping the entire atmosphere filled with devotion to Lord Shiva.

Extensive arrangements were made by the sub-divisional administration to ensure the peaceful and orderly conduct of the festival. Personnel from Police Station Akhnoor, Civil Defence, the Fire Department and local volunteers were deployed in and around the temple premises. Police personnel remained vigilant to control the crowd, maintain discipline and ensure security.

Special traffic management was implemented outside the main gate of the temple to ensure smooth movement of vehicles. Senior police officers were also present at the spot and monitored the arrangements. With the vigilance and cooperation of the administration, the festival of Maha Shivratri concluded peacefully in a devotional atmosphere.