Ayodhya: Lakhs of devotees thronged the Nageshwar Nath temple on the banks of the Saryu in Ayodhya for ‘Jalabhishek’ on Mahashivaratri on SundayFor security, the entire Ayodhya town was divided into five zones and 12 sectors and additional police force was deployed, said Ayodhya additional superintendent of police Chakrapani Tripathi. Surveillance was conducted through CCTV and drones along with the implementation of special plans for crowd management and traffic arrangements, he added.Mahashivaratri holds immense importance in Hinduism as it is believed to be the day when Lord Shiva performs the heavenly dance of creation, preservation and destruction, said Tripathi. Devotees believe that observing Mahashivaratri with deep devotion and strict austerity helps cleanse them of past sins and invites divine blessings. Many also hold that the sacred observance paves the way for spiritual uplift and liberation from the eternal cycle of birth and death, making the festival one of the most significant occasions in the Hindu calendar.Meanwhile, Ayodhya mayor Girish Pati Tripathi said that Mahashivaratri falls on the 14th day of Phalgun as per the Hindu lunar calendar.
