Devotees of Shiva every year never fail to observe the sacred festival of Maha Shivaratri that falls on the 15 th of February this year. Actually it is held in the Hindu month of Phalguna (February–March), on the Chaturdashi tithi (fourteenth night) of the waning moon.
Marking the divine union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, who is believed to be the reincarnation of Goddess Sati ardent devotees across India and abroad observe the Shivratri by way of fasting, doing Bhajan,etc with dedication. Many of them visit temples, offering prayers to seek blessings, inner peace, and spiritual enlightenment to surmount hurdles by developing positivity. Shivaratri is about the tearing off the veil of ''ignorance" and removal of ''darkness'' engulfing the people. At Major Shiva temples across India, the Shiva Lingam is worshiped throughout the night by anointing it it every three hours with milk, curd, honey, rose water, etc., amidst the chanting of the Mantra ''Om Namah Shivaya''. Offerings of bael (Bilva leaves) leaves are made to the Lingam. as they are sacred; it is said, Lakshmi resides in them.
 |
| indianexpress.com |
Maha Shivaratri, meaning “the Great Night of Shiva,” is one of the most sacred festivals in Hinduism, celebrated annually in honor of Lord Shiva. Observed on the 13th night and 14th day of the lunar month of Phalguna (February–March), it is distinct from other Hindu festivals because it is celebrated primarily at night. While every lunar month has a Shivaratri, the one in late winter is considered especially auspicious. The festival emphasizes introspection, meditation, fasting, and spiritual awakening rather than outward celebration.
 |
| astroswamig.com |
Mythologically, Maha Shivaratri is associated with several sacred legends. One popular story from the Skanda Purana, Linga Purana, and Padma Purana relates to the cosmic event of Samudra Manthan, the churning of the ocean by the Devas and Asuras to obtain Amrita, the nectar of immortality. During the churning, a deadly poison emerged that threatened to destroy the universe. Lord Shiva compassionately swallowed the poison to save creation. Goddess Parvati held his throat to prevent the poison from descending into his body, causing his throat to turn blue. Hence, Shiva came to be known as Neelakanta, the blue-throated one. Devotees observe fasting and night-long vigil (jagran) in remembrance of this sacrifice.
Another belief holds that Maha Shivaratri marks the divine wedding of Shiva and Parvati, symbolizing the union of consciousness and energy. Some scriptures also describe this night as the occasion of Shiva’s cosmic dance—the Tandava—representing creation, preservation, and dissolution. Spiritually, the festival signifies the removal of ignorance and darkness. Shiva, often described as the Adiyogi (the first yogi), represents inner awakening. Devotees chant the Panchakshari mantra “Om Namah Shivaya,” seeking self-purification and liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
 |
| Dance festival. Khajuraho Temple, Odisha the Hindu |
 | ||
Chidambaram temple. Natyanjali ~ Siva Travelogue
|
 |
| Thiruvannamalai temple, Tamil Nadu agefotostock.com |
Throughout India, major Shiva temples become centers of intense devotion. The Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi and the Somnath Temple witness massive gatherings of pilgrims. In Tamil Nadu, the Arunachaleswara Temple celebrates the festival grandly, with thousands undertaking the 14-kilometer Girivalam (circumambulation) of Arunachala Hill. The Chidambaram Nataraja Temple is renowned for the Natyanjali dance festival, where artists offer worship through classical dance before Lord Nataraja. In Odisha, the Lingaraj Temple becomes the focal point of elaborate rituals. Devotees also throng the Tarakeswar Temple, especially unmarried women praying for a suitable spouse.
During the night, Shiva Lingams are bathed every three hours with milk, honey, curd, and sacred water, accompanied by Vedic chants. Bilva leaves, considered dear to Shiva, are offered with devotion. The festival also often coincides with significant gatherings such as the Kumbh Mela at Prayagraj, where devotees take the holy dip at the Sangam.
Ultimately, Maha Shivaratri is a night of self-analysis and spiritual discipline. It calls upon devotees to conquer ego, anger, and ignorance, and to awaken the divine consciousness within. By transcending material desires and meditating on Shiva, believers seek lasting peace, harmony, and eternal bliss.
https://navrangindia.blogspot.com/2019/03/shivaratri-festival-dedicated-to-lord.html
