Maha Shivaratri - Pious night of Shiva

Maha Shivaratri which means ‘The Great Night of Shiva’ is a Hindu festival celebrated annually in honour of the God Shiva. It is a major festival in Hinduism and marks a remembrance of “overcoming darkness and ignorance” in life and the world. It is observed by remembering Shiva and chanting prayers, fasting, doing Yoga and meditating on ethics and virtues such as self-restraint, honesty, forgiveness and the discovery of Shiva. The ardent devotees keep awake all night chanting hymns of the Lord Shiva. Others visit one of the Shiva temples or go on pilgrimage to Jyotirlingams. Maha Shivaratri festival was celebrated with devotion and religious fervour across Mysuru . Special pujas and prayers at many temples marked the occasion.