Why is Maha Shivratri celebrated?
Maha Shivaratri or Shivratri is a Hindu festival celebrated annually in honour of one of deities of Hindu Trinity- Lord Shiva.
This day is one of the purest days for Hindus. Shivratri is celebrated by young and old to mark their devotion for lord Shiva. Mahashivratri is considered a sacred day for women to pray for the safety of their sons and husbands. The unmarried women pray to have a husband like Lord Shiva.
Importance:
There are many legends supporting the origin of Shivratri, and the day is considered very auspicious.
Day of reunion of shiva and parvati: king Daksha opposed Sati’s marriage with Lord Shiva and insulted him publicly at yajna. Disturbed by his husband’s insult, Sati was angered and threw herself into the holy fire, ending her life. Furious, lord Shiva then performed the dance of fury, Tandava, and wiped out the kingdom of Daksha. He took rigorous penance and went to the Himalayas. Alarmed by all this, Gods thought that his penance could bring an end to the world, so they revived Sati as Parvati. Mahashivratri celebrates the union of Shiva and Parvati.
Samudra manthan: during samudra manthan between the asuras and devatas, highly toxic poison was revealed. On the advice of Lord Vishnu, Gods pleaded Shiva to consume the poison to save life. Out of compassion for human life, Shiva agreed. His throat became blue and a snake was tied by Parvati to prevent the poison from reaching inside the body. Since that day, Shiva is known as Neelkantha.
How is it celebrated?
Shiva devotees wake up early and take a bath, preferably in river Ganga, as it is believed to free them from all their sins. After this, they wear clean clothes and go to a Shiva temple to perform the rituals. Mahashivratri worship comprises of bathing the Shivalinga with water, honey and milk. Then bel leaves, betel leaves are offered and vermillion paste is applied to the Shivalinga. Fruits are offered and incense is burnt, and a lamp is lit. Each of these is important rituals, symbolic of something. Devotees fast all day long and break their fast the next day with the “Prasad” offered to Shiva.
When is it celebrated?
Shivratri is celebrated on the 14th day of the Phagun month, which is a moonless night.
Where is it celebrated?
This festival is celebrated all across India with enthusiasm; customs vary with different parts of the country.