LUCKNOW: On Shivratri this year, special prayers for world peace will be offered in various temples.
The festival will be marked by the 'Maha Abhishek' of the Shivling, which will later be decorated in the shape of 'ArdhNarishwar' at the Mankameshwar temple, a more than 100-year-old shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva (the Lord who is half woman).
The temple's head priest, Mahant Divyagiri, stated, "On this special occasion, we will be praying to Lord Shiva for world peace. The rituals will also be streamed live on the temple's Facebook page so that devotees can witness the splendour of the festival." The Buddheshwar Mahadeva temple will hold a 24-hour 'yagna' in order to bring peace and good health to the entire world.
Arvind Singh, vice president of the organising committee said, "On this special occasion, a grand Shobha Yatra will be organised, with a large number of musical bands participating. For the benefit of the devotees, two LED screens have been installed outside the temple grounds." "The Shivling will be decorated in the shape of a groom," said Alok Singhal, secretary of Shivalaya-Dwadash Jyotirling Dham, "after which a floral Holi celebration will be organised in the evening, before the Maha Aarti in the temple premises to mark the occasion." The replicas of the 12 'jyotirlings' can be found at the 200-year-old Shivalaya Dwadash Jyotirling Dham.
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