Maha shivratri is a very significant festival for Hindus and Shaivites. This celebration honours the Hindu god Shiva. Every Hindu calendar month contains a celebration known as Shivratri, but the one known as Maha Shiv Ratri is held exclusively during the Hindu calendar month of Phalguna (North Indian calendar). This joyous Indian holiday falls on the Chaturdashi Tithi of the Krishna Paksha month of the South Indian calendar. The day on which this holiday is celebrated is consistent across both regions of India; the only difference is in the name of the month. So, “The Great Night of Lord Shiva” is another name for Mahashivratri in Hindi.
What Is The Importance Of Celebrating Maha shivratri ?
The Hindu holiday of Maha Shivratri is a time of serious reflection on the triumph of light over darkness and the triumph of one person over the challenges of life and the world. At this momentous event, the heavenly energies of Lord Shiva and Goddess Shakti merge. It is also thought that the spiritual forces of the Universe are more accessible on this day. Mahashivratri is celebrated with a day of fasting, a meditation on Lord Shiva, introspection, societal harmony, and vigil at Shiva temples. Shivratri is a unique event in that it is celebrated at night rather than during the day, like most Hindu holidays.
The celebration of Maha shivratri is surrounded by myths and stories. Several Puranas, including Linga Purana, discuss the significance of Mahashivratri Vrat and the worship of Lord Shiva’s symbolic icons, including the Lingam, in great detail. One myth claims that Shiva’s mighty and divine outpouring of creation and destruction, the “Tandava” dance, was first performed on this night. Those who worship Shiva sing his praises and read sacred texts in order to show their participation in and joy at the divine’s cosmic dance of presence. According to another myth, this holiday has special significance for married couples and single ladies looking for a suitable husband because it marks the day on which Lord Shiva wed Goddess Parvati.
The Celebrations Of Maha shivratri :
All true followers of Shiva observe this Hindu festival with great enthusiasm and religious devotion. Celebrations of Mahashivratri start bright and early and last far into the night. On this day, devotees fast and spend the day honouring and reflecting on the life of Lord Shiva. Some people think that if they worship Shiva and his images, they will be forgiven of their sins and be able to enter the afterlife. On this day, believers flock to temples to pray to God.
Puja And Rituals Of Maha Shivratri :
Devotees start the day with a bath before sunrise, a fresh change of clothes, and a visit to a Shiva temple for the beginning of Mahashivratri Puja. Water, milk, Bel leaves, fruits like Ber or jujube fruit, and incense sticks are used in the traditional Mahashivratri Puja, which is performed only by women on this auspicious day. After making three or seven circuits around the Shiva Lingam, they pour milk over it, add other offerings like fruits and vegetables, and burn incense.
- Six essential items, each of which has its own symbolic significance, must be used in any Mahashivratri Puja.
- Soul cleansing is symbolized by bathing the Shiva Lingam in milk, water, and Bel leaves.
- Donning vermillion after a cleansing bath is a sign of moral fortitude.
- Fruits offered in religious rituals are thought to ensure that their owners live long and happy lives.
- The aroma of burning incense is thought to bring good fortune.
- The symbolic meaning of betel leaves is freedom from material cravings.
- Achieving enlightenment, as represented by a lamp going off, is the pinnacle of achievement.
For this reason, worshippers conduct Jaagrans, or nighttime vigils, at Shiva temples, as this is the central feature of the celebration. And thus, on the night of Mahashivratri, men and women alike flood temples with the chanting of “Om Namah Shivay” and the singing of devotional hymns honouring Lord Shiva.
When And How To Fast During Shivratri ?
The complete method of fasting on Mahas hivratri is detailed in the Mahas hivratri Vrat Vidhi. Prior to performing Shivratri Vrat, devotees should fast once each day. Devotees should make the Sankalp, or vow, to fast the full day of Mahashivratri and eat again the next day. They pray to Shiva to grant them the strength and will to complete theMaha shivratri Vrat without distraction.
When celebrating Maha shivratri, the Puja should be performed at night, and the fast should be broken after a morning shower the next day. To maximize the benefits of observing a Vrat, the fast can be broken at any point between daybreak and the time before Chaturdashi tithi concludes.
It is a nationwide celebration of beauty, piety, and religion. Everyone eagerly awaits Maha shivratri, a holiday celebrating the birth of Lord Shiva, because of the religious holiness it brings to the air.
During Maha Shivratri, many people do not know what is considered appropriate or inappropriate behaviour, and they also lack the necessary knowledge of the vidhi and samagri of the Puja. Nakshatraika has the best online astrologers, all of whom are standing by to give you sound advice on how and when to celebrate Mahashivratri.
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