On the auspicious occasion of Mahashivratri, President Droupadi Murmu and Union Home Minister Amit Shah extended their warm wishes to the nation, praying for divine blessings and India’s continued progress.
President Murmu expressed her heartfelt prayers for the welfare of all citizens, hoping for the grace of Lord Mahadev. Taking to social media platform X, she wrote, “I extend my heartfelt greetings to all my countrymen on the auspicious occasion of Mahashivratri. I pray that the blessings of the Supreme God Mahadev remain on all of us and that our country continues to move ahead on the path of progress.”
Union Home Minister Amit Shah also shared his wishes, emphasizing the spiritual significance of the festival. “Everywhere Shiva! Heartiest greetings to all countrymen on the holy festival of Mahashivratri. This festival of the union of Shiva and Shakti is a great festival of spirituality, introspection, and faith. I pray to Devadhidev Mahadev for the welfare of all,” Shah posted on X.
Meanwhile, thousands of devotees gathered at the Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj in the early hours to participate in the final ‘Snan’ of the Maha Kumbh, coinciding with the sacred occasion of Maha Shivratri. This holy dip marks the culmination of a series of ritualistic baths that began with the first Amrit Snan on Paush Purnima on January 13. It was followed by sacred baths on Makar Sankranti (January 14), Mauni Amavasya (January 29), Basant Panchami (February 3), Maghi Purnima (February 12), and concludes on February 26 with Maha Shivratri.
The Maha Kumbh witnessed the participation of several Akharas, including Niranjani Akhada, Ahwan Akhada, and Juna Akhada, the largest Akhada in the Sanyasi tradition. These Akharas play a vital role in the Shahi Snan, being religious orders of monks from different sects such as Shaiva, Vaishnava, and Udasi. Each Akhara is led by its own spiritual head, known as the ‘Mahamandaleshwar.’
Maha Shivratri, often referred to as the great night of Shiva, is a festival celebrated with deep devotion across India. It symbolizes spiritual growth and the triumph of light over darkness and ignorance. According to Hindu mythology, Maha Shivratri marks the divine marriage of Lord Shiva, the god of destruction and transformation, with Goddess Parvati, the goddess of fertility, love, and beauty, also known as Shakti.
The sacred union of Shiva and Shakti represents the ultimate balance of power and love. As the nation celebrates this auspicious day, prayers and celebrations resound across temples and households, invoking the blessings of Lord Shiva for peace, prosperity, and harmony.
