Maha Shivratri is a significant Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Shiva, celebrated annually with devotion and spiritual fervor.
๐ When is Maha Shivratri Celebrated?
It falls on the 14th night of the dark fortnight (Krishna Paksha) in the month of Phalguna (FebruaryโMarch).
๐ Why is Maha Shivratri Celebrated?
- Marriage of Shiva & Parvati โ It marks the divine wedding of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
- The Night of Shivaโs Cosmic Dance โ It is believed that on this night, Shiva performed the Tandava, the dance of destruction and creation.
- Shiva Linga Manifestation โ Some legends say that Lord Shiva appeared as an infinite Linga on this day.
๐ How is Maha Shivratri Celebrated?
- Fasting (Vrata) โ Devotees observe a strict fast, some without water (Nirjala).
- Night-long Worship (Jagran) โ Temples stay open for devotees to chant โOm Namah Shivayaโ and offer prayers.
- Abhishekam (Ritual Bath of Shiva Linga) โ Shiva Lingas are bathed with milk, honey, ghee, curd, and water.
- Offerings to Shiva โ Devotees present Bael leaves, fruits, and bhang as sacred offerings.
- Spiritual Practices โ Chanting of Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra, meditation, and reading of Shiva Purana.
๐ Maha Shivratri Across India
- Ujjain (Madhya Pradesh) โ The biggest celebration at Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga.
- Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh) โ Grand Ganga Aarti and temple processions.
- Kedarnath (Uttarakhand) โ Pilgrimage to Kedarnath Jyotirlinga.
- Pashupatinath (Nepal) โ Thousands gather at Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu.
๐๏ธ Shiva Mantras for Maha Shivratri
- Om Namah Shivaya โ The most powerful Shiva mantra.
- Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra โ Chant for health and longevity:
โเฅ เคคเฅเคฐเฅเคฏเคฎเฅเคฌเคเค เคฏเคเคพเคฎเคนเฅ เคธเฅเคเคจเฅเคงเคฟเค เคชเฅเคทเฅเคเคฟเคตเคฐเฅเคงเคจเคฎเฅเฅค
เคเคฐเฅเคตเคพเคฐเฅเคเคฎเคฟเคต เคฌเคจเฅเคงเคจเคพเคจเฅ เคฎเฅเคคเฅเคฏเฅเคฐเฅเคฎเฅเคเฅเคทเฅเคฏ เคฎเคพเคฎเฅเคคเคพเคคเฅเฅฅโ
