Maha Shivaratri was celebrated with religious fervour and devotion in the State with devotees thronging temples of Lord Shiva.
Srisailam, Keesara, Draksharamam and other Shivate shrines have been celebrating Bramotsavams and devotees observing fasting and participating in Abhisekhams at various places. The main function is being held at Srisailam where devotees have queued up since morning. it has been taking nearly nine hours for darshan.
After the presiding deities Mallikharjuna Swamy and Bhrmarambika go around the town in a procession the marraige will be performed at 12.30. People from far and near have been taking part in Brahmotsavam here.
At Vemulavada in Karimnagar district nearly two lakh devotees have thronged the Rajarajeshwara Swamy temple. In Vijayawada as well, people attended the Indrakeeladri shine in large numbers.
In Godavari districts believers took a bath in the river in large numbers at Pushkar, Kotilingala, Gauthami and Markandeya shores. In Warangal district, devotees came in large numbers to worship Lord Shiva at the Thousand Pillars temple. Srikalahasthi in Chittoor district also witnessed huge rush during the day.
To please Lord Shiva, devotees worship Him, fast for the day and keep awake throughout the night with bhajans and other form of worship.
Police have taken security measures in city in wake of the recent bomb blasts.
However, seven persons were drowned in Godavari and Krishna districts while they went for bathing. Five students of Kahmmam died in Godavari while a woman and her brother were drowned at Krishna, according to reports reaching here. (INN)