Introduction

Maha Shivratri means “the Grand Night of Shiva” employing the night is dedicated for the worshipping of Lord Shiva, the God of Distraction. The grand festival of Shivratri is observed on the moonless fourteenth day of Krishna Paksha of Phalgun month according to the Hindu calendar. The devotees keep fast on this day and offer the leave of Bael (Bilva) to the Lord Shiva.

Significance of Maha Shivratri

Lord Shiva is the deity of Destruction. He is among the three supreme Gods called Trinity. Two other are Lord Brhama; the creator and Lord Vishnu; the preserver. The depiction of Siva as the Destroyer of the world is the center to the theology of Hinduism. According to believes of the Hindus, “creation of anything is followed by its distinction and vice versa”. So there is a perpetual cycle of creation and destruction. In other word, creation is possible only after the destruction, thus human life can only be preserved if the process of creation, preservation and distraction is continued in the cycle. Therefore Lord Shiva is the center to all Hindu believes and Maha Shivratri is the day dedicated to Shiva for his eternal blessings bestowed on the mankind.

Legend Associated with Maha Shivratri

There are numerous legends associated with Maha Shivratri. Someone celebrates this day as the wedding anniversary of Lord Shiva and Parvati. According to one legend Shiva did ‘Tandava’ which is the dance of the primal creation, preservation and destruction on this day. Similarly according to Linga Purana Lord Shiva on this auspicious day manifested himself in the form of Ligna; the popular image of Shiva in any temple. Further one day Parvati the wife of Lord Shvia asked him what was his favorite day then the Lord replied that “13th night of the new moon, during the month of Maagha is my favorite day”. She narrated this to her friends and from whom it spread all across the world and the day is being celebrated as his day i.e. Maha Shivratri.

Customs and Rituals of Maha Shivratri

On the day of Maha Shivratri, devotee keep day long fast in the reverence of Lord Shiva. They do so in the expectation to please Bhola Baba (the Simpleton God) who will listen to their prayers and absolve them for the sins and bless them with Moksha (salivation). This festival is very significant for the women. The married women pray for the long and healthy life of their husband and the unmarried women worship Shiva to bestow them with good husband. Shiva is considered to be the most ideal Husbands in the world.

The Linga or the image of Shiva is bathed with religious customs with milk, honey, ghee, sugar and Gangajal. The worship of Shiva is performed throughout the day with the chanting of “Om Namah Shivaya”. He is offered with Bhog of Bhang, Bael and Bhasam. A nightlong Jagran is observed where devotees spent the night offering prayers in the form of Bhajan and Kirtan to Shiva. In the next morning the devotees break their fasting with the Prasad of Lord Shiva. Maha Shivratri is celebrated with much enthusiasm and fervor in the Twelve “Jyotirlingas” of Lord Shiva.