Maha Shivaratri is a Hindu festival celebrated annually in reverence of the God Shiva. The festival is celebrated on the new moon day in the month of Maagha according to the Hindu calendar. Shivaratri literally means the great night of Shiva or the night of Shiva. Followers visit Shiv temples and bath the idol of Lord Shiva and follow rituals to please the lord. Devotees begin the day by worshipping the Lingam of Lord Shiva in temples. The day is considered auspicious for women. They fast and pray to the Lord to get blessed with blissful married life, while unmarried woman would pray for an ideal husband like Shiva.People chant “Om Nama Shivaya” all through the day.

credit: Belur Math, Howrah

The Batu Caves are located thirteen kilometers north of the capital city Kuala Lumpur. Caves are one of the most important Hindu religious sites outside of India. Every year hundreds of thousands of Hindu devotees come to climb the grueling 272 steps up to the caverns. The main Batu Cave is known as the Temple Cave or Cathedral Cave. The cave serves as a Hindu Temple devoted to Lord Muragan whose 42 meter high gold statue stands guard outside.

credit: Christian Haugen