Lord Shiva or Mahadeva is regarded as one of the trinity responsible for the dissolution of the world during pralaya. Mahashivaratri is known as the day when Shiva was born

Officials at Pashupati Area Development Trust (PADT) which is responsible for managing the affairs of the temple estimated that around one million devotees will visit the temple from early morning till the night on Mahashivratri

Pashupatinath temple has been colourfully decorated with lights, paper fags and garlands during the festival

Some 3,000 saints, including naga babas, have arrived at the temple premises to pay homage to Lord Pashupati during the festival

The Himalayas is known as the abode of Lord Shiva and in Nepal there is a sizable number of Shaivas whose main deity is Lord Shiva

The Lord, who is regarded as auspicious and purified heart and known as the deity to grant boon easily, is worshipped by both Hindus as well as Buddhists

At night, people light campfires at homes, around temples and road junctions and prepare food items, including sweets, to observe Shivaratri, the night of Lord Shiva