MAHASHIVRATRI

Mahashivratri is a significant Hindu festival celebrated with much excitement throughout India. This auspicious festival falls annually on the 14th day of the Hindu month of Phalguna or February/March according to the Gregorian calendar.




Mahashivratri is an amalgamation of two Sanskrit words - "Maha" which means great, and "Shivratri," which means the night of Lord Shiva. It is believed that on this day, Lord Shiva, the creator of the universe and the reigning deity of Hinduism, was married to his consort Goddess Parvati.

Lord Shiva is one of the Holy Trinity of Hinduism, along with Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu. He is revered as the God of destruction, death, and rebirth. Yet, he is one of the most beloved Hindu deities and is worshipped all over India.

On Mahashivratri, devotees worship Lord Shiva with great fervor and dedication. People visit Shiva temples and offer milk, honey, and flowers to the Shiva Linga that symbolizes Lord Shiva. Some devotees keep a fast for the entire day, consume only milk and fruits, and break their fast at midnight after praying to Lord Shiva.

Apart from traditional worship, Mahashivratri is also celebrated with much enthusiasm through cultural events such as dance, drama, and music. Various cultural programs are organized in public spaces and temples featuring classical and folk dances, devotional songs, and recitation of hymns.

Mahashivratri holds significance in Hindu mythology as it marks the day when Lord Shiva saved the world from destruction. According to one story, on this day, Lord Shiva consumed the poison that emerged from the ocean during the Samudra Manthan, a significant event, also known as the churning of the ocean.

The poison, known as Halahal, was so deadly that it would have destroyed the entire world. Lord Shiva, therefore, consumed the venom to save the world. However, his beloved Goddess Parvati clutched Lord Shiva's neck, stopping the poison from reaching his stomach, thus saving him from the deadly effect.

Mahashivratri is more than just a festival. It is a symbolic representation of the power of Lord Shiva, the creator of the universe, who destroyed ignorance and illuminated the world with wisdom. This festival urges us to attain the knowledge that can transform the universe from darkness to light and welcome the new beginnings in life.

Now conclusion, Mahashivratri is a significant Hindu festival that celebrates Lord Shiva's power, and his union with Goddess Parvati. An auspicious day that marks the triumph of good over evil, Mahashivratri is celebrated with much enthusiasm, devotion, and traditional customs throughout India. It is a new beginning for all devotees and a day that people look forward to with immense fervor.

We must offer these things on the day of Mahashivratri:

- Bilva leaves

- Flowers

- Fruits

- Cow's milk

- Sweets

- Honey

- Fresh water

 

In addition to these offerings, devotees may also keep a fast and consume only milk and fruits or prepare special dishes such as thandai, poori, and sabzi to break their fast after praying to Lord Shiva. These offerings are believed to signify different attributes of Lord Shiva and seeking his blessings.