Shivarathiri
One of the most fortunate Hindu festivals, Mahashivratri is one that is passionately and expertly observed by devotees. The night of Mahashivratri, also known as "The Great Night of Shiva," has profound spiritual importance. It literally means "The Night of Lord Shiva" and is named after the great Hindu god who creates, safeguards, and transforms the universe. Shiv and Ratri are the two words from which it is derived. Shivratri is said to be the union of the two powerful cosmic energies, Shiva and Goddess Shakti. Shiva is regarded as the god of death, and Shakti is seen as a force that extinguishes evil forces.
How is Shivaratri celebrated?
On this day, they adhere to a severe fast. Some followers refuse to drink any water at all. They stay up all night watching. All night long, the Shiva Lingam is worshiped by being washed with milk, curd, honey, and rosewater. And you can get these pooja items from Lakshmi Stores,UK. Every three hours the mantra Om Namah Shivaya is chanted. Bael leaves are presented as offerings to the Lingam. The belief that Lakshmi resides in bael leaves makes them extremely revered.
Songs praising Lord Shiva are performed with tremendous fervor and devotion, such as Pushpadanta's Shiva Mahimna Stotra or Ravana's Shiva Tandava Stotra. Om Namah Shivaya, the Panchakshari Mantra, is repeated. During Shivaratri, the person who utters the Shiva Names with absolute devotion and focus is absolved of all sins. He arrives at Shiva's home and finds happiness there. He escapes the cycle of births and deaths. The locations of Shiva temples are crowded with pilgrims.
When is Mahashivratri celebrated?
To honour Lord Shiva, the Hindu community observes Maha Shivratri. The fourteenth day of each lunar month, or the day before the full moon, is supposedly designated as Shivratri every year. It is also purported that on this night, Lord Shiva performs Tandav and marries Shakti. Typically, Maha Shivratri takes place in February or March. Shivratri is said to be the darkest night of the month. Maha Shivratri resembles a festival of the nighttime. However, the majority of people think that Shivratri is a time to celebrate the union of Shiva and Shakti.
History of Mahashivaratri
One says that Parvati and Lord Shiva were wed on this day. Consequently, it is a celebration of this holy union. Another says that a pot of poison appeared when the Gods and demons stirred the ocean together in order to retrieve the ambrosia that lay inside its depths. In doing so, Lord Shiva saved both the Gods and humanity by consuming the poison. The Lord became blue as a result of the poison lodged in his neck. Shivratri is a holiday commemorating the world's saviour. Another mythology holds that as Goddess Ganga plummeted from heaven with all her might, Lord Shiva caught her in his matted hair and released her, releasing her as multiple streams, onto the Earth. This stopped Earth's doom. The Shivalinga is bathed on this lucky night as a devotion to Him. At midnight, it is said that the shapeless God Sadashiv manifested as a Lingodhbhav Moorthi. As a result, many pray to God throughout the night.
What is special about Mahashivaratri?
Maha Shivaratri is closely associated with fertility and creation. During the festival, unmarried women observe this fast in the hope that they will find a partner, while married women observe the fast to give thanks and maintain the balance of harmony in their marriage.
What is offered to Siva on Mahashivaratri?
Offerings of milk, honey, fruit, and bael leaves are considered to be very auspicious on Maha Shivratri and are said to please Lord Shiva. The offerings symbolize purity and devotion. Lakshmi Stores,UK sells these pooja items online to ease your worship.