Faith brings millions to ancient Shiva temples

Serpenting queues marked the Walkeshwar temple in Malabar Hills, Tungareshwar temple near Vasai and Ambreshwar Temple in Ambernath, which were among the many temples and homes who joined in the Shivratri celebrations on Wednesday. One of the most revered of the Hindu trinity, Shiva was paid obeisance by his visitors.

Shiva's marriage with Parvati was celebrated elaborately, with the hub of the activity during the festival shifting to temples from people's homes. It' as early as 4 am onwards that people started arriving to the temples with some milk, bel fruits, bel leaves and flowers.

The many ancient Shiva temples are located in the city and suburbs were decorated with fresh flowers. Walkeshwar temple at Malabar hills was faced with a sea of devotees who travelled bare- footed to the temple, chanting “ Om Namah Shivay” all from homes across the city.

Shivani Tanna, a resident of Colaba visited the Walkeshwar temple at 4 clock in the morning. Tanna says, “ Every year, I regularly visit the Walkeshwar Shiva along with family and friends. We spend the whole night meditating, chanting the holy name and reciting Shiva- Mahima Strota and Shiv Tandava Strota.” Stating that the festival had brought a flood of devotees to the town, the Ambernath municipality, Chief officer of Ambernath Municipal Council Rajesh Kanade said it was a test where they had to strive hard to make all arrangements in the town.

AMC president Sunil Chaudhari said, " We had arranged for emergency fire brigade system with ambulances and a complaint system for any emergency during the festival." “ We had also sent out a request to the Maharashtra State Electricity Board to avoid load shedding for two days of the festival, which was honoured," he added.