Feb 13, Colombo: Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena says the 'Maha Shivarathri' day observed by Hindu devotees across the world today will eliminate the dark evil thoughts emerge in the hearts of the humans and illuminate the wisdom and thoughtfulness.

"It will, invariably help to build reconciliation and coexistence with each other," the President said in a message to mark the Maha Shivarathri Day.

Full text of the President's Maha Shivarathri message:

l extend my greetings to all Hindu devotees world over who celebrate the ‘Maha Shivarathri' with the objective of overcoming darkness and ignorance in life and the world to eliminates the self-pride and selfishness of humans, with the desire for the well-being of the entire universe and peace in the world.

Fasting on the day of Shivaratri is considered to be the most important and significant fast for the devotees of Lord Shiva and observance of this ritual with discipline helps a devotee to control the five sense organs in human beings while keeping the mind in precise concentration on an objective. Devotees of Lord Shiva believe that a person who indulges in a Shivaratri fast with sincerity, all through the day and night performing rituals with perfect devotion is absolved from all sins. Such a devotee reaches the abode of Lord Shiva and lives there happily ever after.

Furthermore. Shiva devotees believe such rituals will reduce the self-pride and selfishness of humans paving the way for coexistence with each other.

Therefore, Shivaratri fast will eliminate the dark evil thoughts emerge in the hearts of the humans and illuminate the wisdom and thoughtfulness. It will, invariably help to build reconciliation and coexistence with each other.

I extend my heartiest greetings to all Hindu devotees around the world who celebrate the ‘Maha Shivarathri' with the desire for well-being of fellow human beings as well as to further consolidate the religious beliefs and the social well-being.