Nation celebrates Mahashivaratri, hails Lord Shiva

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday greeted the nation on the auspicious occasion of Maha Shivratri which is being celebrated with devotion and religious fervour.

"Maha Shivratri greetings to everyone," Prime Minister Modi said on twitter.

Devotees in large numbers are reaching Shiva temples since early morning.

A large number of people are expected to offer 'jalabhishek' of holy water and special prayers at the Kashi Vishwanath temple.

In Ayodhya, devotees thronged Nageshwarnath temple to offer their prayers after taking holy dip in Saryu River. In Allahabad people in large numbers took holy dip at the confluence of Ganga and Yamunaat sangam and offering holy waters to various Shiva temples.

Mahashivaratri is celebrated on the 6th night of the dark Phalgun (February or March) every year. It is believed that Lord Shiva was married to Parvati on this day.

Shivratri fast is considered to be the most important fast for the devotees of Lord Shiva.

Shiva Purana states that if a devotee observes Shivaratri Vrata with sincerity, pure devotion and love he is blessed with the divine grace of Lord Shiva.