BICHOLIM: The festival of Mahashivratri was celebrated with religious fervour by the people at Harvalem where thousands paid tributes to Lord Shiva on Tuesday.
A large number of devotees participated in the festivities at the Rudreshwar Temple in Harvalem-Sanquelim which is famous in the State. The celebrations began early morning, as different religious rituals like ‘rudrabhishek’ were performed in the temple.
Being Mahashivratri the people had direct access into the temple and were allowed to touch the shivlinga. At Harvalem and Narve queues were seen right from 4 am.
The devotees were seen taking bath near the Harvalem waterfall and offering ‘abhishek’ to Lord Shiva. Several stalls of different kind were also lined up in the area.
The people also visited the nearby Harvalem caves to enjoy its beauty. Several politicians also took blessings in the temple.
In Bicholim, Mahashivratri was held at Vathadev, Pirachi Kond, Latambarcem, Lamgao and other places. Police force was also kept near the temple to maintain law and order.
Devotees were also seen participating in the celebrations of Maha Shivaratri at Shivnagar, Xeldem, Curchorem and Someshwar Devasthan, Shivroi, Quepem.
It’s believed that while there is a Shivaratri every lunisolar month of the Hindu calendar, the Maha Shivaratri happens only once every year, in February/March, when winter comes to an end and spring and summer begin.
