Around 650 devotees, including many youths, gathered at Muanivatu Ram Mandir in Laucala Bay, Suva yesterday to observe Maha Shivratri with prayers, fasting and spiritual teachings.
While speaking to fijivillage News, temple priest Vishnu Tiwari says through Katha Satsang and Maha Shivratri celebrations, youths are encouraged to avoid drugs, respect religion, serve their parents and focus on education.
He says the youth were highly cooperative and actively took part in the spiritual discussions.
When asked about the significance of the festival, Tiwari says Maha Shivratri marks the wedding anniversary of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
He highlighted the legend of Shiva appearing as an infinite pillar of light to resolve a dispute between Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu over supremacy.
He says devotees observe this sacred occasion by worshiping Shiva, seeking his blessings for spiritual awakening, prosperity, inner peace and ask for forgiveness for past misdeeds.
