Shivaratri : Why is Maha Shivaratri Celebrated?
Shivaratri, Maha Shivaratri festival has a special significance in Hinduism. This festival is celebrated on month of Falgun. It is the very important festival to Hindus and Shiva followers. This time on the day of Maha Shivaratri, the importance of Sarvartha Siddhi Yoga has increased. There are 12 kind of this festivals in 12 months in the Hindu calendar, but there is a big difference between Maha Shivaratri and Shivaratri.
The biggest question is why is this festival celebrated? According to mythological and religious beliefs, Maha Shivaratri is celebrated for three reasons. In which Shiva-Parvati marriage is most prevalent. Due to which, there is a tradition of holding a procession of Shiva at night in different places on Maha Shivaratri. This Festival is celebrated for these three reasons.
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Shiva-Parvati’s marriage
Mother Parvati and Lord Shiva were married on the fourteenth day of Krishna Paksha in the month of Phagun. This date is also celebrated as the great union of Lord Shiva and Mother Parvati. The marriage of Shiva and Parvati on the day of this festival is considered very important. It is said that worshiping Lord Shiva on this day makes Lord Shiva happy. There is a belief that if there are any obstacles in one’s marriage due to the brat of Maha Shivaratri, all the obstacles will be reduced and the marriage will take place soon.
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The Shivalinga form of Mahadev
According to mythology, Lord Shiva appeared in the form of Shiva on the day of Maha Shivaratri. At that time, Bamha and Vishnu were the first to worship him in this form. For this reason, on the day of this festival, there is a special provision to worship Shiva Ling.
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To save the world from crisis by poisoning
It is said that Lord Shiva saved this creation from crisis by drinking the poison released from Samudra Manthan. This is why Maha Shivaratri is celebrated. Lord Shiva’s throat turned blue after drinking the poison from Sagar Manthan. Due to which Lord Shiva is also called Nilakantha.
What is the difference between Shivaratri and Maha Shivaratri?
The fourteenth day of Krishna Paksha of each month of the Hindu calendar is considered as Shivaratri. It is also known as the monthly Shivaratri. The month of Phagun is known as Maha Shivaratri on the Chaturdashi date of Krishna’s side. According to mythology, Lord Shiva incarnated in the form of Rudra from the formless Brahma at midnight on this day. That is why this date is called Maha Shivaratri. On this day, Lord Shiva is specially worshiped.
Dear day of Lord Shiva
It is the night in which there is a close relationship with Shiva. Lord Shiva’s favorite night is called Shivaratri. The Ishaan Samhita of Shiva Purana states that on the night of Phagun Krishna Chaturdashi, the primordial god Shiva appeared as a linga with millions of sun-like influences.
It is believed that on this day, God came very close to mankind. At midnight, God is closest to man. This is the reason why people stay awake all night on this day.
Shivlinga worship material
Worship of Lord Shiva does not require any other special materials, only water and bel leaves.
Shiva Aradhana similar to Kalpavriksha
Shiva worship has a special significance on the day of this festival. As important as the anointing is in the worship of Shivaji, so is the importance of the Mahamrityunjaya mantra. There is a religious belief that worship of Shivaji is incomplete without the Mahamrityanjaya mantra. Pashupati is the most important place for celebration of this festival.
