Mangalore : Today is Mahashivaratri, a day when Lord Shiva is worshipped with all devotion and fervour. Various temples in Mangalore dedicated to Lord Shiva are decked up and devotees are thronging the temples to have a darshan of Lord Shiva and seek his blessings.

The festival is grandly celebrated at Sri Gokarnanatha Temple at Kudroli, Kadri shrine, Kavoor Panchalingeshwara Temple, Somanatheshwara Temple at Ullal and other temples where Lord Shiva is the presiding deity. Various rituals and special poojas are offered to the Lord.

Maha Shivaratri,   literally means Great Night of Shiva and is prominently celebrated in India and Nepal. The festival is celebrated on the new moon day in the month of Maagha according to the Hindu calendar. The day is celebrated to venerate Lord Shiva, an important deity in Hindu mythology. There are many mythological legends associated with this day. It is believed that the people who fast on this night and offer prayers to Lord Shiva bring good fortune into their life

There will be heavy rush in Shiva temples in the evening and night when Jagarane is observed. Special Bali Poojas will also be held.