New Delhi: Maha Shivratri is an extremely auspicious day and it is celebrated by Hindus; especially Shaivites across the country. People keep fast and worship Lord Shiva on this day to receive the blessings of the Supreme Lord. Maha Shivaratri is celebrated on Chaturdashi Tithi Krishna Paksha of the Lunar cycle in Phalguna month of Purnimant calendar or Magh month of the Amavasyant calendar.
People across the nation fast for the entire day and perform puja during the Nishita Kaal or at midnight. They stay awake all night long and break their fast only the next morning during Parana time.
History of Maha Shivratri
There are said to be many beliefs about why Maha Shivratri is celebrated. It is famously believed that on the day of Maha Shivratri, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati got married. And so, every year, this festival is celebrated to mark their holy union. Some other people believe that Maha Shivratri is observed to remember the day when Lord Shiva drank the poison that got churned out from the ocean. By doing this, he protected the world from evil spirits, negativity, darkness and dismay.
Significance and celebrations
During Mahashivratri, devotees keep a fast. They refrain from the consumption of food and water for a particular time as it is also considered healthy for the body and the mind. As per popular belief, praying to Lord Shiva after keeping fast makes the lord happy.
The offerings given to Lord Shiva during the pooja include milk, honey, fruits and bel leaves.. Devotees start the day with a bath in the river Ganges and then visit the temple. Then they keep fast for the day and offer their prayers to the lord. It is believed that chanting Om Namah Shivaya brings blessings and fulfillment of wishes and desires by the lord.
There are different legends that speak of the significance of Maha Shivratri. The first one says Maha Shivratri marks the union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. This legend is widely believed in Jammu and Kashmir and the people living there celebrate the festival with a lot of exuberance.
Another story says that it is on this day that the Jyotir Linga was formed. The story goes like Lord Brahma and Vishnu had an argument about who amongst them was more powerful. To settle things between the two of them, Lord Shiva emerged as a ray of light and asked them to find the beginning and end of the light. Lord Vishnu dug into the earth and Brahma flew upwards to find the source of the light.
However, after a long and exhaustive search, Lod Brahma requested flower Ketaki to give a false statement in his favour and proclaim him as the winner. Lord Shiva knew that none could find the light and was furious with Brahma for lying and was later punished by Lord Shiva. Thus, Maha Shivratri is celebrated as a day when the Jyotir Linga was formed.
