Mahashivratri is a divine annual festival celebrated to the Hindu God Shiva. Festival of Mahashivratri is celebrated on the 14th night of Phalgun, corresponding to the months of February and March.
Mahashivratri festival is also called the night of Shiva and is celebrated with devotion and religious fervor in honor of Lord Shiva, one of the greatest deities of the Hindu Trinity. Shivaratri falls on the 14th night of the new moon in the Hindu month of Phalgun. Celebrating this auspicious festival marks the intense love, devotion, and spiritual connection with Lord Shiva. During this occasion, devotees observe day-and-night fasts and perform various religious rituals associated with Mahashivratri.
The festival holds deep spiritual significance and is considered an important occasion for prayer, meditation, fasting, Shiva Puja, and seeking divine blessings.
Legends Associated with Mahashivratri
Various interesting legends related to this auspicious festival have been told. According to the most popular legend, it marks the wedding day of Lord Shiva and Parvati. There is also a belief that it was the auspicious night on which Lord Shiva performed the ‘Tandava’, the dance representing the primal creation, preservation, and destruction of humankind.
There is another popular legend related to Mahashivratri, stated in Linga Purana, that it was on Shivaratri that Lord Shiva manifested himself in the form of a Linga. Hence, Shiva devotees consider the day highly auspicious and celebrate it as Mahashivratri – the grand night of Shiva.
These legends make Mahashivratri an important festival for devotees seeking spiritual growth, devotion, inner peace, and the blessings of Lord Shiva.
Traditions and Customs of Shivaratri
Various traditions and customs are duly followed by devotees of Lord Shiva. Devotees observe a strict fast in honor of Lord Shiva to show their respect and devotion. Many follow a diet of fruits and milk, while some do not even consume water.
Devotees believe that true worship of Lord Shiva on this day of Shivratri helps remove sins and liberate one from the cycle of birth and death. Shivratri is also considered very auspicious for women. Married women pray for the well-being of their husbands, while unmarried women pray for a husband like Lord Shiva, who is regarded as the ideal husband.
On the day of Mahashivratri, devotees wake up early in the morning and take a ritual bath in the holy Ganga or in holy water from the Ganges. They wear new clothes and visit the nearest Shiva temple to perform ritual bathing of the Lingam with milk, honey, and water.
On Shivratri, people worship Lord Shiva throughout the day, and every three hours priests perform ritual Puja of the Shivalingam by bathing it with milk, yoghurt, ghee, sugar, honey, and water while chanting the sacred mantra “Om Namah Shivaya.”
10 Lovable Offerings of Lord Shiva
The following offerings are traditionally associated with Lord Shiva worship during Mahashivratri:
- Shiv Mantra
- Saffron
- Sugar
- Scent
- Cow Milk
- Curd
- Cow Ghee
- Sandalwood
- Honey
- Bhaang
These offerings are traditionally used during Shiva Puja and Rudrabhishek as expressions of devotion and reverence toward Lord Shiva.
Mahashivratri Puja & Rudrabhishek
Mahashivratri is considered a highly auspicious occasion for offering favorite things to Lord Shiva and seeking his blessings for health, wealth, prosperity, happiness, and spiritual growth.
If you wish to have a Rudrabhishek Yagya on this auspicious occasion, it can traditionally be performed with the intention of removing obstacles from life and seeking happiness and success in both the worldly and spiritual realms.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of Mahashivratri?
Mahashivratri is an important Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is traditionally associated with devotion, fasting, meditation, Shiva Puja, spiritual awakening, and seeking the blessings of Lord Shiva.
Why is Mahashivratri celebrated?
Mahashivratri is celebrated according to several traditional legends, including the divine marriage of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, Lord Shiva’s Tandava, and the manifestation of Lord Shiva in the form of a Linga as described in the Linga Purana.
What do devotees do on Mahashivratri?
Devotees traditionally observe fasting, visit Shiva temples, perform Abhishek of the Shivalingam with milk, water, honey, curd, ghee, and other offerings, chant “Om Namah Shivaya,” and remain engaged in prayer and devotion throughout the day and night.
What are the main offerings made to Lord Shiva on Mahashivratri?
Traditional offerings include milk, curd, ghee, honey, sugar, sandalwood, saffron, scent, Bhaang, and Shiva mantras. These offerings are made as expressions of devotion and to seek Lord Shiva’s blessings.
What is Rudrabhishek Yagya on Mahashivratri?
Rudrabhishek Yagya is a traditional Shiva worship ritual involving the ceremonial bathing and worship of the Shivalingam along with sacred mantras and offerings. On Mahashivratri, devotees may perform Rudrabhishek with the intention of seeking Lord Shiva’s blessings, removing obstacles, and supporting happiness, prosperity, and spiritual well-being.
