As the sacred fire is passed around, devotees wave their hands over the flame and touch their foreheads, signifying the reception of divine blessings. The light of the aarti flame is believed to purify the mind and spirit, creating a sacred atmosphere for worship.
According to Hindu mythology, Maha Shivaratri marks the day when Lord Shiva performed the cosmic dance, Tandava, and the night he married Parvati. In Maharashtra, the festival is observed with large gatherings in temples, fasting, and night-long vigils.
Papvimochneshwar Temple was established on August 18, 1904, and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is the focal point of Maha Shivaratri celebrations by the Koli community, which take place annually on the 14th night of the dark fortnight in the month of Phalguna (February–March).
Devotees engage in darshan (the act of seeing and being seen by the deity) of the lingam from outside the garbhagriha, through the door that allows a clear view. The lingam is the primary focus of worship and rituals in the temple and is set on the floor of the garbhagriha, which is at a lower elevation than the temple.
Nandi, the divine bull, is the vahana (vehicle) of Lord Shiva. Nandi serves as the gatekeeper to the sanctum, symbolizing loyalty and unwavering devotion. The marble Nandi statue is placed directly facing the lingam in the garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum).
A silver palki (palanquin) is elaborately decorated with flowers, fabrics, and other artistic elements. This decoration is a form of cultural expression, showcasing local art and craftsmanship.
A father teaches his child to ring a temple bell. Ringing the bell is considered a way to invite the deity and announce one's presence. The sound of the bell is believed to dispel negative energies and purify the environment.
A niche in the garbhagriha houses goddess Parvati, the embodiment of Shakti, the divine feminine power. Maha Shivaratri is a celebration of the divine union of Shiva and Shakti. Their relationship symbolizes the ideal marital bond and the balance of masculine and feminine energies in the universe.
Aarti (the waving of a flame, usually from a lit lamp, before a deity during prayers) is accompanied by the ringing of bells, the chanting of mantras, and the distribution of prasad (blessed food) among the devotees.
Children apply bhasma (sacred ash) to their forehead, face, and arms. In Shaivism, bhasma (also known as vibhuti) reminds devotees of the transient nature of life, as it is a product of fire and symbolizes the ultimate reality of death and the dissolution of the physical body.