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Maha Shivratri, which literally
translates to “great night of Shiva” is a
Hindu festival largely celebrated in India
as well as in Nepal. The festival is
celebrated on the new moon day in the month
of Maagha according to the Hindu calendar.
The day is celebrated to venerate Lord
Shiva, an important deity in Hindu culture.
There are many mythological legends associated with this day. According
to a popular legend, when a hunter could not
find anything to kill for his food in a
forest, he waited on the branch of a
Woodapple tree. In order to attract deer, he
started throwing the leaves of the tree on
the ground, unaware that there was a Shiva
Lingam beneath the tree. Pleased with the
Woodapple leaves and the patience of the
hunter, it is believed that Lord Shiva
appeared in front of the hunter and blessed
him with wisdom. From that day onwards, the
hunter stopped eating meat.
Another legend has it that after the Earth was faced with an imminent
destruction, Goddess Parvati pledged with
Lord Shiva to save the world. Pleased with
her prayers, Lord Shiva agreed to save the
world on the pretext that the people of the
Earth would have to worship him with
dedication and passion. From that day
onwards, the night came to be known as Maha
Shivratri and people began worshipping Shiva
with a great enthusiasm.
Some folklore also consider this to be Shiva’s day as this was believed
to be the answer given by Lord Shiva when
asked about his favorite day by Goddess
Parvati.
Maha Shivratri is a Hindu festival which is celebrated by people
following Hinduism in India. People often
fast on the night of Shivratri and sing
hymns and praises in the name of Lord Shiva.
Hindu temples across the country are
decorated with lights and colorful
decorations and people can be seen offering
night long prayers to Shiva Lingam.
Woodapple leaves, cold water and milk are
offered to the Shiva Lingam on this day as
they are believed to be Lord Shiva’s
favorite.
It is believed that the people who fast on this night and offer prayers
to Lord Shiva bring good luck into their
life. The most popular Maha Shivratri
celebrations take place in Ujjain, believed
to be the place of residence of Lord Shiva.
Large processions are carried out throughout
the city, with people thronging the streets
to catch a glimpse of the revered idol of
Lord Shiva. |
