MAHA SHIVRATRI A HOLY DAY
Mahashivratri is one of the most significant Hindu festivals celebrated annually in the honor of Lord Shiva. The festival falls on the 13th night/14th day of the Hindu month of Phalguna (February/March) and is marked by fasting, prayers, and offerings to Lord Shiva. The word “Mahashivratri” is derived from two Sanskrit words, “Maha” meaning great and “Shivratri” meaning night of Lord Shiva. It is believed that on this night, Lord Shiva performed the “Tandava” dance, which is considered the source of the cycle of creation, preservation, and destruction.
In Hinduism, Lord Shiva is considered as one of the trinity gods, along with Brahma and Vishnu. He is known as the destroyer of evil, the granter of blessings, and the Lord of yoga and meditation. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Shiva drank the deadly poison (Halahala) that emerged during the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan), to save the world. This act of selflessness and bravery earned him the title of “Neelkanth,” meaning the blue-throated one. On the day of Mahashivratri, devotees of Lord Shiva observe fast and offer prayers to Lord Shiva to seek his blessings and protection.
The significance of Mahashivratri can be traced back to several Hindu legends and scriptures. One of the most popular legends is the story of King Chitrabhanu. It is believed that King Chitrabhanu was a devout Hindu and observed fast on Mahashivratri. On this day, he had a divine vision of Lord Shiva and became enlightened. Hence, the festival is considered an opportunity for devotees to seek blessings and attain spiritual enlightenment.
Another popular legend is the story of the devotion of Lord Shiva’s wife, Goddess Parvati. It is believed that she performed severe penance and prayers to Lord Shiva to marry him. Impressed by her devotion, Lord Shiva finally agreed to marry her on the 14th day of the dark fortnight in the Hindu month of Phalguna, which is observed as Mahashivratri.
Mahashivratri is also considered significant as it marks the wedding anniversary of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. The festival is celebrated with great fervor and devotion in Hindu communities all over the world. Devotees offer milk, honey, flowers, and fruits to Lord Shiva and perform a night-long vigil, chanting “Om Namah Shivaya,” meaning “I bow to Lord Shiva.” In some parts of India, devotees also visit Lord Shiva temples and offer prayers and perform special puja rituals.
In recent times, Mahashivratri has gained immense popularity among youth and spiritual seekers as a festival of consciousness and self-discovery. The festival is seen as an opportunity to detach from material desires and focus on spiritual pursuits. Devotees engage in meditation, yoga, and other spiritual practices on this day to attain inner peace and connect with the divine.
Mahashivratri is a significant Hindu festival that celebrates the power of Lord Shiva and marks the wedding anniversary of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. The festival is an opportunity for devotees to seek blessings, attain spiritual enlightenment, and engage in spiritual pursuits. The celebration of Mahashivratri is an expression of devotion and surrender to Lord Shiva, the destroyer of evil and granter of blessings.
