The Babulnath Temple in Girgaon Chowpatty – one of the most prominent temples of Lord Shiva – will be open to devotees from midnight (12am) on February 18 and will close at 11pm.
Mumbai: As Mahashivratri approaches, Goregaon resident Manoj Rajput makes it a point to buy ash, sandalwood, bel patra (trifoliate leaves) and datura (thorn apple), besides stocking up on milk, water, honey, curd and other items that are essentials, with a symbolic meaning for Mahashivratri Puja that will be held on Saturday.
“Shivratri comes every month but Mahashivratri comes only once a year. It is the day Lord Shiva gets married to Parvati Mata. It is celebrated by fasting, praying, visits to temples, and the worship (abhishek) of Lord Shiva, with people reciting bhajans through the night. To calm the Lord’s anger, water is offered to the Shivling, besides other things,” Hindu priest, Acharya Sanjay Pandey, said. The day is also auspicious to fulfil wishes and overcome problems (dosh). Single women fast on this day for a good husband.
“I first do puja at home where we put water on the Shivling and then go to the temple in our locality,” said Rajput. Prominent temples make it a point to have grand celebrations on this day.
Girgaon Chowpatty temple gearing up for Feb 18
The Babulnath Temple in Girgaon Chowpatty – one of the most prominent temples of Lord Shiva – will be open to devotees from midnight (12am) on February 18 and will close at 11pm. “We expect around 1.25 lakh devotees to come for darshan. People are allowed only to do ‘jalabhishek’ (offer water) provided by the temple, only till 2pm. Other liquid offerings like milk, honey, curd and ghee are not allowed. All dry offerings like bel patra and datura can be made,” said Mukesh Kanojia, manager of the trust that looks after the temple.