Hindus observe the Maha Sivarathiri day

[TamilNet, Saturday, 01 March 2003, 21:33 GMT]
Hundreds of thousands of Hindus in Sri Lanka Saturday night observed the Maha Sivarathiri day with great devotion. Special poojahs and religious discourses are being held throughout the night in several leading Hindu temples in the island, especially in the North-East province, exhorting Hindus to lead their lives according to the teachings of Saiva saints and philosophers, sources said.

Several hundreds of Hindus in Trincomalee gathered at the historic Koneswaram temple in the eastern port town and observed the Holy Maha Sivarathiri day, praying to Lord Siva for their eternal bliss.

The Koneswaram Temple is situated inside the Fort Frederick in Trincomalee where the Gajaba Regiment of the Sri Lanka Army and the district secretariat are located.

The security forces manning the checkpoint at the entrance to the Fort Frederick allowed Hindu devotees to visit the Koneswaram temple throughout Saturday night to attend Maha Sivarathiri prayers without any checking, sources said.

Sri Lanka's Ministry of Hindu Affairs organized official Maha Sivarathiri day events Saturday at the Thirukeetheeswaram temple in the Mannar district, ministry sources said.

Historic Koneswaram temple.