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Thousands Throng Kolkata's Historic Bhootnath Temple for Mahashivratri Prayers

Thousands of devotees gathered at Kolkata's historic Bhootnath Temple to offer prayers on the occasion of Mahashivratri. The temple, over 300 years old, is famous for its unique Bhasmarati ritual performed with wood from burning pyres. Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his greetings to the nation, praying for well-being and prosperity through a post on social media platform X. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also shared his greetings and is scheduled to participate in festivities at the Isha Yoga Centre in Coimbatore.

Key Points: Mahashivratri Celebrations at Kolkata's Bhootnath Temple

  • Large crowds at historic Bhootnath Temple
  • Unique Bhasmarati ritual with pyre wood
  • PM Modi extends greetings on X
  • Festival marks union of Shiva & Parvati
  • Rajnath Singh to attend Coimbatore event
2 min read

Devotees gather in large numbers at Kolkata's Bhootnath Temple to offer Mahashivratri prayers

Devotees gather at 300-year-old Bhootnath Temple for Mahashivratri. PM Modi, Rajnath Singh extend greetings. Details on unique Bhasmarati ritual.

"To all my family members across the country, countless best wishes on Mahashivratri. - Prime Minister Narendra Modi"

Kolkata, February 15

Thousands of devotees on Sunday thronged the historic Bhootnath Temple in Kolkata to perform special rituals and offer prayers on the auspicious occasion of Mahashivratri. A huge crowd was witnessed by devotees at the temple as they offered their puja.

Bhootnath Temple is located near Nimtala Ghat in the capital city of West Bengal and is more than 300 years old. It is famous for its unique ritual, Bhasmarati, in which Aarti is performed using wood from burning pyres, a tradition that has continued since an ascetic near the cremation ground established the temple.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday extended Mahashivratri greetings to citizens, praying for their well-being and prosperity. In an 'X' post, the Prime Minister invoked the blessings of Lord Shiva, emphasising that the divine grace of Lord Shiva brings peace, prosperity, and spiritual strength to individuals and the nation.

"To all my family members across the country, countless best wishes on Mahashivratri. My prayer is that Adidev Mahadev always keeps His grace upon everyone. By His blessings, may all be blessed with well-being and may our Bharatvarsh sit enthroned at the peak of prosperity," PM Modi wrote on 'X'.

Mahashivratri, celebrated across India with great devotion, marks the divine union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Devotees observe fasts, offer prayers, and participate in night-long vigils to seek the deity's blessings.

According to Hindu mythology, on the night of their wedding, Lord Shiva was escorted to Goddess Parvati's house by a diverse group of Hindu gods, goddesses, animals, and demons. The Shiva-Shakti duo is considered the epitome of love, power, and togetherness. The festival marking their sacred union, Mahashivratri, is celebrated with great devotion and enthusiasm across India.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also extended his greetings on Sunday on the occasion of Mahashivratri. Singh is scheduled to visit Coimbatore later today to participate in the Mahashivaratri festivities at the Isha Yoga Centre.

Taking to X, he wrote, "On the auspicious occasion of Mahashivratri, I extend my heartfelt greetings to everyone. Today, I shall be at Isha Yoga Center in Coimbatore to attend the 'Maha Shivratri' celebrations. Looking forward to it."

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
It's wonderful to see our ancient traditions thriving. While I appreciate the PM's greetings, I sometimes wish the focus was more on the spiritual essence of the festival rather than political messaging. The story of Shiva and Parvati's union is what we should truly reflect on.
A
Arjun K
Kolkata's temples have such a rich history. 300 years! The devotion of the people is incredible. I observed my fast yesterday and the feeling of community, even from afar, is strong. Jai Bholenath!
M
Michael C
Visiting from the US and had the chance to witness Mahashivratri celebrations in Varanasi last year. The all-night vigils, the chanting – it's an experience of profound spirituality. Great to see similar devotion in Kolkata. India's cultural depth is amazing.
S
Shreya B
The Bhasmarati using wood from the cremation pyres... it's a stark, beautiful reminder of Shiva as the destroyer and regenerator. It's not just a festival; it's philosophy in practice. More power to the devotees braving the crowds! 🕉️
K
Karthik V
Hope the local administration made proper arrangements for such a large crowd – parking, water, security, etc. Devotion is one thing, but citizen safety is paramount. Glad to see the festival being celebrated with such enthusiasm across the country.

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