Maha Shivratri 2018: Devotees throng temples across the country – See pics

Bhasma aarti performed at Ujjain's Mahakaleshwar temple. Pic courtesy: ANI

Mumbai: Today on the auspicious occasion of Maha Shivratri, a day dedicated to Lord Shiva, devotees across the country are expected to throng temples throughout the day to offer their prayers and seek divine blessings.

Devotees have already started queuing up outside temples to get darshan.

Here’s taking a look at some of temples where an ocean of humanity has turned up to begin their day on a propitious note:

Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh, famous for its majestic temples is witnessing a massive turnout. Devotees from various parts of the city have turned up to pay tribute to Lord Shiva, who is known by various names such as Omkareshwar, Mahakaleshwar etc.

The Bhasma aarti (aarti with ash) was performed in the early morning hours at Ujjain's Mahakaleshwar temple.

#MadhyaPradesh: 'Bhasma aarti' performed in the early morning hours at Ujjain's Mahakaleshwar temple #MahaShivRatri pic.twitter.com/iTrn9fdPLk — ANI (@ANI) 13 February 2018

Special prayers were also offered at the Mahakaleshwar Temple.

#MadhyaPradesh: Special prayers performed at Ujjain's Mahakaleshwar temple on #MahaShivRatri pic.twitter.com/kVewJugXla — ANI (@ANI) 13 February 2018

Mahakaleshwar is one of the Jyotirlingas.

In Maharashtra, at the Bhimashankar temple, one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, devotees have been visiting since early morning.

#Maharashtra: Devotees perform special prayers at Bhīmashankar temple near Pune #MahaShivaratri pic.twitter.com/ZyDDf4w7pV — ANI (@ANI) 13 February 2018

One of Mumbai’s oldest temples dedicated to Lord Shiva – Babulnath- too has devotees lined up for Darshan.

Devotees throng Mumbai's Babulnath temple on the occasion of #MahaShivaratri pic.twitter.com/ekK4nY8tQR — ANI (@ANI) 13 February 2018

#Chattisgrah: Devotees take holy dip in Mahanadi river at 'Rajim Kumbh' in Rajim on the occasion of #MahaShivaratri pic.twitter.com/660SND0oNJ — ANI (@ANI) 13 February 2018

Maha Shivratri dedicated to Lord Shiva is one of the most significant Hindu festivals and is celebrated by his devotees across the globe. The auspicious day is of special significance because it marks his martial union with Goddess Parvati , who is also referred to as Shakti.

Meaning Shiva’s night, Maha Shivaratri falls on Chaturdashi Tithi during Krishna Paksha in month of Magha in the South Indian calendar or the Amavasyant Hindu lunar calendar. However according to North Indian calendar or the Poornimant lunar calendar, Maha Shivaratri is the Masik(monthly) Shivaratri in month of Phalguna. If we were to go by the Gregorian calendar, the day falls on February 13 and extends until February 14.