Mahashivratri

Month : February
Place : India
Famous For : Religious Festival
Attractions : Shivaratri Fast, All Night Worship of Lord Shiva, Drinking Thandai.

Maha Shivratri is the longest and darkest night of the month. It is the night on which Shivji and Parvati tied the knot and became 'One'. Hence it is symbolic of the meeting of the Soul with the Almighty. It is also believed that on Shivaratri, Lord Shiva became Neelkantham by swallowing the deadly poison that came up from the ocean during the churning of "Kshir Sagar". The poison was so deadly that even a drop in His stomach, which represents the universe, would have annihilated the entire world. Hence, He held it in His neck, which turned blue due to the effect of poison.

Legends of Mahashivratri

Once Lord Vishnu and Lord Bramaha argued over each other"s prowess. However, Lord Shiva challenged both of them. He appeared as a flaming Linga and challenged the duo to measure the gigantic Linga (phallic symbol of Lord Shiva). Lord Bramaha, who took the form of a swan, and Lord Vishnu who became a boar and went to Netherland, were both unable to measure the Shivalinga. Then Lord Shiva came out of the Linga and declared himself the most powerful. Maha Shivaratri therefore means the grand night of Shiva. The devotees of Shiva fast during this day and pray to the lord throughout the night.

Traditions and Customs of Shivaratri

According to Hindu mythology, Shivaratri symbolizes the wedding day of Lord Shiva and Parvati. On the day of Shivratri or Mahashivratri devotees take fast for the complete day and offers milk bath and bael leaves to the Lingam. Bael leaves are considered very sacred and it is said that Goddess Lakshmi resides in them. This festival mainly celebrated at night. In Varanasi and Baidhyanathdham (Deogarh), one of the twelve jyotirlinga of lord Shiva, devotees worship throughout the night at all the Shiva temples. Kashi Vishwanath temple in the Varanasi city is decorated. A huge procession, dedicated to Lord Shiva, follows. The Deoghar town witnesses huge flow of pilgrims on the ancient Baba Baidhyanath temple. Mahashivaratri is a major festival in Deoghar.

Hymns in praise of Lord Shiva, such as the "Shiva Mahimna Stotra" of Pushpadanta or Ravana's "Shiva Tandava Stotra" are sung with great fervour and devotion. People repeat the 'Panchakshara' Mantra, "Om Namah Shivaya". He, who utters the names of Shiva during Shivratri, with perfect devotion and concentration, is freed from all sins. He reaches the abode of Shiva and lives there happily. He is liberated from the wheel of births and deaths. Many pilgrims dock to the places where there are Shiva temples.

The auspicious festival of Maha Shivaratri is celebrated with devotion and religious fervor all over India and even beyond. Though fasting and worship of Shiva Linga with a ritual bath remain the common feature of Shivaratri celebrations at all places, minor variations due to regional difference can be observed in some states.