AGARTALA, March 1 (TIWN): Temples of Lord Shiva have geared up to celebrate Shiva Chaturdashi on March 3rd.

On the occasion of Mahashiv Ratri, Hindu devotees throng  to the Shiva temples and worshipped lord Shiva with milk and other puja items.

The priests said that Shiv Temple will be kept open for devotees allnight.

However, political grips on the temples were observed as “saffron” coat was given on the walls of Shiva Temples.

According to Hindu mythology, Lord Shiva is a part of Tri-dev which is also called Trinity. Trinity includes Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh (The creator, the preserver and the Destroyer).

However, Mahashivratri is a Hindu festival celebrated annually in the reverence of the God Shiva. According to the Hindu Mythology, the day is observed as Shiva was married to the Goddess Parvati.

Maha Shivaratri is celebrated on the Krishna Paksha Chaturdashi of Hindu calendar month Maagha as per Amavasya-ant month calculation.

As per Poornima-ant month calculation, the day is Krishna Paksha Trayodashi or Chaturdashi of Hindu calendar month Phalguna which falls in February or March as per the Gregorian calendar.

Besides, among the twelve Shivratri in the year, Maha Shivratri is the holiest.

The religious belief is that if one offers milk, Dhaturo (a kind of intoxicating plant) and Belpatra to Lord Shiva and observes a night-long fasting, he/she will receive heavenly blessings.

Girls and women keep fast and worships lord shiva for blessings.

However, the celebration of Maha Shivratri is associated with the marriage of Shiva and Shakti. According to legend, Maha Shivaratri also celebrates the night when Lord Shiva performed the Tandava, the cosmic dance.

Devotees throngs in to the temple including young, old, married and unmarried to perform the traditional worship of Lord Shiva.

Devotees take bath at the sun rise. Getting themselves clean, the devotees offer prayers to the lord Shiva and offers milk, Dhaturo (a kind of intoxicating plant) and Belpatra.