Maha Shivratri is a festival celebrated every year on the 6th night of the dark Phalgun (Feb or March) every year.The festival is principally celebrated by offerings of Bael (Bilva) leaves to Lord Shiva, all day fasting and an all night long vigil. Devotees observe fast and keep vigil all night. Per scriptural and discipleship traditions, the penances are performed in order to gain boons in the practice of Yoga and meditation, in order to reach the goal more swiftly and avoid rebirth.
Maha Shivaratri marks the night when Lord Shiva performed the 'Tandava'. It is also believed that on this day Lord Shiva was married to Godess Parvati. There are several legends and stories which relate to the celebration of this festival. Some people believe that Maha Shivratri marks the wedding ceremony of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Others believe that, it was on this day that Lord Shiva consumed the pot of poison that emerged during the Samudra Manthan, to protect the world.
The day is observed with immense devotion. Celebrations begin at dawn, where people cleanse themselves with a bath, preferably in the Ganges River, which Hindus regard as holy. Then, they bathe the Shiv Lingam with milk and holy waters. Priests lead chants of various hymns, with “Om Namah Shivaya” being the main one.
According to the Hindu religion, praying to Lord Shiva during this festival will grant devotees blessings and forgiveness for their sins. It’s also said that those, who observe the day with the utmost devotion, are freed from the cycles of birth and death that make up reincarnation. Women, who pray with devotion and honesty to Goddess Parvati, are said to attain marital bliss and wonderful husbands.
Om Namah Shivaya !
Blessed be !
Maha Shivaratri marks the night when Lord Shiva performed the 'Tandava'. It is also believed that on this day Lord Shiva was married to Godess Parvati. There are several legends and stories which relate to the celebration of this festival. Some people believe that Maha Shivratri marks the wedding ceremony of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Others believe that, it was on this day that Lord Shiva consumed the pot of poison that emerged during the Samudra Manthan, to protect the world.
The day is observed with immense devotion. Celebrations begin at dawn, where people cleanse themselves with a bath, preferably in the Ganges River, which Hindus regard as holy. Then, they bathe the Shiv Lingam with milk and holy waters. Priests lead chants of various hymns, with “Om Namah Shivaya” being the main one.
According to the Hindu religion, praying to Lord Shiva during this festival will grant devotees blessings and forgiveness for their sins. It’s also said that those, who observe the day with the utmost devotion, are freed from the cycles of birth and death that make up reincarnation. Women, who pray with devotion and honesty to Goddess Parvati, are said to attain marital bliss and wonderful husbands.
Om Namah Shivaya !
Blessed be !
