Maha Shivaratri - The Great Night Of Lord Shiva

What is Mahashivratri ? Why do we celebrate Mahashivratri ? 

MAHASHIVRATRI is one of the remarkable and Sacred Hindu festivals of India. It is the day to celebrate the grace of Lord Shiva, Lord Shiva is also considered as a ADI - GURU or the first GURU from whom the yogic traditions originates.

The planetary position on this night, which is also the darkest night of the year are such that there is a powerful natural upsurge of energy in human system.

The fourteenth day of every Lunar month of the day before the new moon is known as SHIVRATRI,among all the 12 SHIVRATRI'S that occurs in the month of February-March is one of the most spiritual significance. 

On this night the Northern Hemisphere of the planet is positioned in such a way that there is a natural upsurge of energy in a human being.This is the day when nature is pushing one towards once spiritual peak.It is the day one can stay awake and do the Sadhana for all night long.

Devotees of Lord Shiva stay awake the entire night on this auspicious night of Maha Shivratri. Some perform puja's , chant, vedic mantras and practice meditations, these sacred practices bestow a sense of peace within us and oneness with the world.

Some of the important sayings as per Hindu Legends - 

It is said that Maha Shivratri is the night when Lord Shiva performs the heavenly dance of CREATION, PRESERVATION AND DESTRUCTION.

It is also said on this day LORD SHIVA married DEVI PARVATI so it is a celebration of their sacred union.

According  to  Hindu scholars  Maha Shivratri was the  day  when  Lord  Shiva  drank  poisonous Halahal  negativity  to  save  the  world, hence he is called NEELKANTH.

Also according to the Hindu Legend LORD BRAMHA and LORD VISHNU were busy arguing over which among the three who was the most powerful god, on hearing this Lord Shiva manifested in the form of a huge flaming LINGAM.

 It was agreed with LORD BRAMHA and LORD VISHNU that, whoever was first to find the end of the blazing column of fire would be considered the greatest of the hindu gods.

Lord Vishnu in the form of a boar started looking from the bottom of the Lingam,while Lord Brahma in the form of a swan started looking for the top. After years of searching neither had found an end , and they had to acknowledge LORD SHIVA as the most powerful god.

The festival is principally celebrated by offering BAEL ( Bilwa tree ) leaves to Lord SHIVA , all day fasting and all night long vigil.

On MAHASHIVRATRI "OM NAMAH SHIVAYA" the sacred mantra of Lord Shiva, is chanted throughout the day and night in Lord Shiva temples , special puja is held at homes and temples.

As we celebrate the Maha Shivratri this year, I wish everyone Happy Maha Shivratri " OM NAMAHA SHIVAYA"

(SUMMARY)

- Mahashivratri is a significant Hindu festival celebrated in India.

- It honors Lord Shiva, considered the Adi Guru, or the first Guru from whom yogic traditions originate.

- Mahashivratri falls on the fourteenth day of every lunar month, particularly significant in February-March, marking the darkest night of the year.

- The celebration holds spiritual significance as the planetary alignment on this night induces a natural upsurge of energy in the human system, facilitating spiritual growth.

- Devotees observe rituals such as staying awake all night, performing pujas, chanting mantras, and meditating to attain inner peace and unity with the cosmos.

- Various legends surround Mahashivratri, including Lord Shiva's cosmic dance symbolizing creation, preservation, and destruction.

- Another legend highlights his marriage to Devi Parvati, signifying their sacred union.

- According to Hindu scholars, Mahashivratri marks the day when Lord Shiva consumed poison to save the world, earning him the title Neelkanth.

- Additionally, a tale portrays Lord Shiva's supremacy over Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu, affirming his status as the greatest Hindu deity.

- Customs of Mahashivratri include offering Bilwa leaves to Lord Shiva, fasting throughout the day, and maintaining vigilance throughout the night.

- The sacred mantra "Om Namah Shivaya" reverberates in temples, and special pujas are conducted to honor Lord Shiva.

BY Viinod Baherani