Mahashivaratri is a Hindu festival that is celebrated annually in honor of Lord Shiva. It is one of the most significant festivals in Hinduism and is celebrated with great devotion and fervor. Here are some lesser-known facts about Mahashivaratri. The word “Mahashivaratri” means “great night of Lord Shiva” and is celebrated on the 13th night/14th day of the Hindu month of Phalguna (February/March).
According to Hindu legend, Lord Shiva performed the “Tandava” dance on this night, which represents the cosmic cycles of creation and destruction.
Lord Shiva once served as a servant to his devotee
It is believed that Lord Shiva appeared in the form of a Linga on this night, which is why the festival is also known as “Lingodbhavamurti.” Many devotees observe a fast on this day and stay awake all night in devotion to Lord Shiva. Special prayers, rituals and puja are performed in Shiva temples throughout India, and devotees offer fruits, flowers, and milk to Lord Shiva’s Linga. The festival is also celebrated with the lighting of lamps and the distribution of prasad, which is a sweet offering made to the deity.
In some parts of India, devotees also perform a “Shodashopachara Puja” which is a 16 step worship ritual.
According to Hindu mythology, Lord Shiva granted salvation to the sage and hunter, Markandeya, on this night. This is why many devotees also perform the Rudrabhishekam, a special ritual to Lord Shiva, seeking blessings and salvation.
In Nepal, the festival is celebrated as “Mahashivaratri” or “Shiva Ratri” and is one of the most important festivals for the Hindu community, where people gather in Pashupatinath Temple to offer prayers and perform rituals.In South India, the festival is celebrated as “Maha Shivaratri” and is an important festival for the Shaiva sect.
In some parts of India, a special ritual called “Abhishekam” is performed, which involves pouring milk, honey, and yogurt over the Linga, symbolizing the purification of the mind and soul. In some parts of India, the festival is also celebrated by married women, who perform the “Shivaratri Vrata” and pray for the well-being of their husbands and family.
Many Hindu communities also organize “Shivaratri Mela” fairs, where devotees gather to offer prayers, perform rituals and participate in cultural activities. It is also believed that Lord Shiva grants blessings to those who perform special rituals and puja on this night, which is why many people also perform the “Mahashivaratri Vrat” and fast for the whole day and night.
Some devotees also perform the “Bilva Patra Puja” which is the worship of the Bilva tree, which is considered sacred to Lord Shiva. In conclusion, Mahashivaratri is a significant festival in Hinduism that is celebrated with great devotion and fervor in honor of Lord Shiva. It is a time for spiritual reflection, purification of the mind and soul, and the seeking of blessings and salvation. Many rituals, puja and cultural activities are performed, and the festival brings people together in devotion and celebration.
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