Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday greeted citizens on Mahashivratri and prayed for their well-being and prosperity.
In the ‘X’ post, the Prime Minister invoked the blessings of Lord Shiva and emphasized that Lord Shiva’s divine grace brings peace, prosperity and spiritual strength to individuals and the nation.
“To all my family members across the country, countless best wishes on Mahashivratri. I pray that Adidev Mahadev may always keep his grace on everyone. May everyone be blessed with prosperity by his blessings and may our Bharatvarsh be enthroned at the pinnacle of prosperity,” PM Modi wrote on ‘X’.
Celebrated across India with great devotion, Mahashivratri marks the divine union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Devotees observe fasts, pray and participate in night vigils to seek the deity’s blessings.
According to Hindu mythology, on the night of their wedding, Lord Shiva was escorted to the home of Goddess Parvati by a diverse group of Hindu gods, goddesses, animals and demons. The Shiva-Shakti duo is considered to be the embodiment of love, strength and togetherness. The festival marking their sacred union, Mahashivratri, is celebrated with great devotion and enthusiasm in India.
Union Minister Nityanand Rai also offered prayers at the Pataleshwar temple in Hajipur on the occasion of Mahashivaratri.
Devotees thronged the Sangam ghats in large numbers on Sunday to participate in the holy Mahashivaratri snan of the Magh Mela.
The administration has put in place tight security measures, with Uttar Pradesh ATS mobile patrolling units actively monitoring the Prayagraj Magh Mela 2026 as pilgrims continue to come for the holy dip.
Magh Mela officer Rishi Raj said Mahashivaratri marks the last ‘snan parv’ of the Magh Mela, which attracts a massive influx of devotees. He informed that approximately 10 million people have already taken the holy bath.
Apart from Prayagraj, devotees gathered in large numbers at the Kashi Vishwanath temple in Varanasi to celebrate the auspicious occasion of Mahashivaratri. The temple premises witnessed an overwhelming turnout, with devotees lining up from early morning to seek blessings.
Similarly, devotees thronged temples across the country. Aarti ceremonies were performed at Mini Somnath Temple in Ahmedabad, Aap Shambhu Mahadev Temple in Reasi and Nageshwarnath Temple in Ayodhya where devotees offered prayers with deep reverence.