The day before the Amavasya (New Moon) of each lunar month is called Shivaratri. Among all the Shivaratris of the year, the one that falls in the lunar month of Magha in February-March each year is considered to be the most auspicious and is celebrated as Mahashivratri.
On this night, the northern hemisphere of the planet is positioned in such a way that there is a natural upsurge of energy in a human being. This is a day when nature is pushing one towards one’s spiritual peak. It is to make use of this, that in this tradition, we establish a certain festival which is night-long. One of the fundamentals of this night-long festival is to ensure that – to allow this natural upsurge of energies to find their way – you remain with your spine vertical – you stay awake.
Mahashivaratri-a Hindu festival largely celebrated in India as well as in Nepal is being also called as “Great Night of Shiva”. According to the Hindu calendar, the festival is celebrated on the new moon day in the month of Maagha to venerate (worship) Lord Shiva, an important deity in Hindu culture.
There are many mythological legends associated with this day. According to a popular legend, when a hunter could not find anything to kill for his food in a forest, he waited on the branch of a Wood apple tree. He started throwing the leaves of the tree on the ground in order to attract deer without knowing that there was a Shiva Lingam beneath the tree. Pleased with the Wood Apple leaves and the hunter’s patience, it is believed that Lord Shiva appeared in front of the hunter and blessed him with wisdom. From that day onwards the hunter stopped eating meat.
According to another legend, when the earth was faced with imminent destruction, Goddess Parvati pledged with Lord Shiva to save the world. Pleased with her prayers, Lord Shiva agreed to save the world on the pretext that the people of the Earth would have to worship him with great dedication and passion. From that day onwards, the night came to known as Maha Shivaratri and people began worshipping Shiva with great enthusiasm.
Mahashivratri is a Hindu festival being celebrated by people following Hinduism in India and across the globe. Some folklore also consider this to be Shiva’s day as this was believed to be the answer given by Lord Shiva when asked about his favorite day by Goddess Parvati.
People often fast on the night of Shivratri and sing hymns and praises in the name of Lord Shiva. Hindu temples across the country are decorated with lights and colorful decorations and people can be seen offering night long prayers to Lord Shiva Lingam.
Wood Apple leaves, cold water and milk are offered to the Shiva Lingam on this day as they are believed to be Lord Shiva’s favorite.
It is believed that the people who fast on this night and offer prayers to Lord Shiva bring luck into their life. The most popular Shivratri celebrations take place in Ujjain, believed to be the place of residence of Lord Shiva. Large processions are carried out throughout the city, with people thronging the streets to catch a glimpse of the revered idol of Lord Shiva.
May Lord Shiva Shower
Blessings on all
And give power and
Strength to everyone
Facing difficulties in
Their lives
Wishing all the ‘Kannadigaworld’ readers
“A Happy Mahashivaratri.”
Shekar Moily
