The Maha Shivaratri festival is being celebrated across the country today. 

The day that falls on Falgun Krishna Chaturdashi, the fourteenth day of the first half of the lunar month of Falgun, is considered the most auspicious for Lord Shiva. 

From early morning, devotees have been taking ritual baths in rivers and ponds, visiting Shiva temples, and offering prayers. 

On the occasion of Maha Shivaratri, the Pashulati Area Development Trust (PADT) has announced that all four gates of Pashupatinath temple have been kept open since 2 am. 

Last year, more than one million devotees visited the Pashupati area on Maha Shivaratri. 

The PADT has announced that this year, three external lines have been arranged for offering worship at Pashupatinath for Maha Shivaratri.