Mahashivratri: The Significance Of India's Most Celebrated Festival

We all know India is a country of devotion and celebration. In India, there are many festivals that come every year. India is a country of astounding variety, a distinct and vibrant mosaic of people from different religious backgrounds. 

There are festivals for every occasion and season. Numerous celebrations pay homage to revered deities, commemorate significant historical figures and events, or pay respect to certain crops. Every celebration, which includes decorating the home, donning new clothes, dancing, eating, and music, is built upon the traditions of praying and pleading for blessings. A celebration's spirit is shown via festivals.

One of the main holidays observed by Hindus is Mahashivratri. It is celebrated as the union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Mahashivratri, commonly known as "The Great Night of Shiva," is the most significant event in India's Hindu calendar.

Mythological information about Maha Shivratri:

A widely accepted myth is that Maha Shivratri commemorates the marriage of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. On the fourteenth night before Amavasya, they exchange nuptial vows on this day. 

Lord Shiva, who represents Purusha (mindfulness), and Goddess Parvati, who represents Prakriti (nature), respectively. Ardhanaareshwara is the famous form of Shiva and Parvati as Purusha and Prakriti. The cosmos begins to create when these two components are together.

In India and other areas of the world, there are a number of well-known tales regarding the celebration of Maha Shivratri. As is well known, the night before the fourteenth new moon is a wonderful night for Lord Shiva. 

The day commemorates the creation of Shiva Linga, which, according to a tradition, resulted from a dispute amongst the Trinity (Lord Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh).

The topic of contention was who had more strength, which is why Lord Brahma, the creator, went in quest of the beginning, while Lord Vishnu, the preserver, proceeded to Shiva's end. 

The fact that they were unable to locate Lord Shiva's origin or finish after countless years demonstrated his eternity. On this day, which is now known as Maha Shivratri, Shiva Linga manifested in this manner.

Another legend claims that it is also the night when Lord Shiva performs the "Tandava," or dance of creation, preservation, and destruction.

Mahashivratri's Significance:

For those who are seeking spiritual enlightenment, Mahashivratri is incredibly important. For those who are ambitious in the world as well as for those who are in families, it is also really important. 

Every year, during the Magha month, which falls between February and March, Maha Shivratri takes place. According to specialists, there is a movement of certain energy during Maha Shivratri in the northern hemisphere. In other Shivaratris do not experience this.

People are said to get the blessings of Shiva by doing all the rites, keeping a fast, and worshiping the Shiv Linga with the goddess Parvati. Vrishabharudha Murti is one of the famous statues of Lord Shiva with Mata Parvati sitting on Nandi. Young ladies pray for a nice spouse, married couples pray for a happy marriage, and Lord Shiva worshippers worship him in order to get moksha. 

Mahashivratri For  Ascetics:

However,  Mahashivratri is regarded by ascetics as the day Lord Shiva became one with Mount Kailash and stopped moving completely, like a mountain. Shiva is regarded as the Adi Guru, the original Guru from whom the discipline of yoga descended in the yogic tradition, rather than being worshipped as a deity. 

One day, after spending many ages in meditation, he attained complete stillness. Mahashivratri begins that day. Because he lost all ability to move and became completely motionless, ascetics refer to Mahashivratri as the "night of stillness."

Ritual:

Shiva worshippers refrain from eating throughout the day and only break their fast in the morning after a night of prayer. Shiva was reputed to have a fiery temper, hence "cooling" delicacies are included in the food offerings made to the god. These include milk, water, honey, and the supposedly cooling leaves of the wood apple tree (Aegle marmelos). Thandai, a beverage prepared from milk, almonds, and hemp seed, is another dish that is well-liked at this event. Since Shiva is claimed to have loved hemp seed, it is consumed as part of the festivities.

The auspicious occasion when people are enthralled with a tremendous degree of fervor is the celebration of MahaShivratri. The entire event consists of a variety of events, such as religious rites, shloka chanting, and royal rituals. People enjoy the celebration in a manner similar to that of a wedding reception.

There are certain other additions and subtraction during MAHASHIVRATRI that vary depending on the local culture.

On this day, people observe a daylong fast and offer Milk, Water, Bel Patra, and Dhatura as these items are revered. On the eve of Maha Shivratri, Hindus offer Stone Shiva Lingam an overnight pooja while reciting Shiva Stotram and shlokas. Heavy celebrations, festivals, and a week-long recitation of the Shiv Puranas at several temples are planned in many locations.

Ending: 

Mahashivratri, commonly known as "The Great Night of Shiva," is the most significant event in India's Hindu calendar. It is celebrated as the union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. The day commemorates the creation of Shiva Linga, which resulted from a dispute among the Trinity. 

Maha Shivratri is celebrated every year during the month of Magha, which falls between February and March. People are said to get the blessings of Shiva by doing all the rites, keeping a fast, and worshiping the Shiv Linga with the goddess Parvati.

Mahashivratri is celebrated as the marriage of Lord Shiva and Mata Parvati in India. Shiva as Ardhanarishvara is known as Purusha and Prakriti, in which shiva represents Purusha and Mata Parvati represents Prakriti.

As People observe a day-long fast and offer milk, water, bel Patra, and Dhatura as these items are revered. On the eve of Maha Shivratri, Hindus offer Stone Shiva Lingam an overnight pooja.