Ayodhya, Feb. 16 -- Lakhs of devotees thronged the Nageshwar Nath Temple on the banks of the Saryu river in Ayodhya to perform jalabhishek on the occasion of Mahashivratri on Sunday. Ayodhya Mayor Girish Pati Tripathi said that Mahashivratri is a significant Hindu festival celebrated in honour of Lord Shiva, one of the principal deities in Hinduism. It falls on the 14th day of the dark fortnight of the month of Phalguna, according to the Hindu lunar calendar. He said Mahashivratri holds immense importance as it is believed to be the day when Lord Shiva performs the cosmic dance symbolising creation, preservation and destruction. Devotees believe that observing the festival with devotion and austerity cleanses them of their sins and grants blessings, including spiritual upliftment and liberation from the cycle of birth and death, he added. As lakhs have gathered in the temple town, elaborate security arrangements were in place to ensure security. The entire town was divided into five zones and 12 sectors, and additional police forces were deployed, said Ayodhya additional superintendent of police Chakrapani Tripathi. Surveillance was carried out through CCTV cameras and drones, along with the implementation of special crowd management and traffic plans, he added....