Maha Shivratri: Know the significance and importance of the festival

Maha Shivaratri is a major festival in Hinduism annually observed in honour of Lord Shiva. On this day devotees worship Lord Shiva, observe a strict fast and do various religious activities to please Lord Shiva. Devotees further believe that by pleasing Lord Shankara on the auspicious Shivaratri day, a person is absolved of past sins and is blessed with Moksha or salvation. On the occasion, devotees across the country are seen flocking to temples, that often witness long queues from as early as the break of the dawn.