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Hundreds of Hindu devotees thronged the Pashupatinath Temple in Nepal to observe the grand festival of Maha Shivaratri. The festival celebrates the grand marriage of Lord Shiva with the goddess of fertility, love, and beauty - Parvati, who is also known as Shakti. Maha Shivaratri marks the convergence of 'Shiva' and 'Shakti' and also celebrates the night when Lord Shiva performed the 'Tandav'--the cosmic dance.  The devotees also flocked nearby rivers, ponds and temples to worship Lord Shiva since early morning.  Maha Shivaratri, which is being observed today by Hindus in various countries, including Nepal and India, has been regarded as one of the greatest festivals in Puranas, the Hindu holy scriptures. This day is celebrated in the lunar month of Falgun and is believed to instil faith even in those destined to live in trouble. "Maha Shivaratri," known as the night of Lord Shiva, is observed with great fervour in Nepal as well as in India and other Hindu-populated countries.