Maha Shivratri, which translates to "The Great Night of Shiva" is an annual Hindu festival celebrated in honor of Lord Shiva, one of the principal deities in Hinduism. This auspicious occasion holds significant cultural and religious importance for millions of devotees around the world. There are several reasons why Maha Shivratri is celebrated:
Celebration of Lord Shiva: Maha Shivratri is primarily celebrated to honor Lord Shiva, who is revered as the supreme deity in Shaivism, one of the major branches of Hinduism. Lord Shiva is believed to be the destroyer of evil, the transformer, and the supreme ascetic. Devotees offer prayers, perform rituals, and engage in meditation to seek blessings from Lord Shiva for spiritual upliftment and worldly prosperity.
Marriage of Shiva and Parvati: According to Hindu mythology, Maha Shivratri commemorates the divine union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. It is believed that on this auspicious night, Shiva and Parvati were married. Therefore, Maha Shivratri holds special significance for married couples who seek blessings for a harmonious and blissful married life.
Observance of Vigil and Austerity: Devotees observe Maha Shivratri by fasting and maintaining vigil throughout the night. It is believed that staying awake and engaging in worship and meditation during this night purifies the soul and grants spiritual merit. Many devotees visit Shiva temples, where they offer prayers, perform abhishekam (ritual bathing of the deity), and chant hymns and mantras dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Legend of the Churning of the Ocean: Another popular mythological story associated with Maha Shivratri is the churning of the cosmic ocean (Samudra Manthan) by the gods and demons to obtain the nectar of immortality (amrit). During this divine event, poison (halahala) emerged from the ocean, threatening to destroy the world. In order to save the universe, Lord Shiva consumed the poison, thereby earning the epithet "Neelkanth" (the one with the blue throat). Maha Shivratri is celebrated as the day when Lord Shiva saved the world from destruction by consuming the poison.
Symbolism of Renewal and Transformation: Maha Shivratri symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness and the victory of good over evil. It is a time for spiritual renewal and inner transformation, where devotees strive to overcome their ego, attachments, and negative tendencies, and attain spiritual enlightenment and liberation (moksha).
In summary, Maha Shivratri is celebrated to honor Lord Shiva, commemorate his divine union with Goddess Parvati, observe austerity and vigil, and seek blessings for spiritual and worldly fulfillment. It is a joyous occasion marked by devotion, rituals, fasting, and spiritual practices, symbolizing the eternal quest for self-realization and divine grace.
Lord Shiva Top 10 Mantra
- ॐ नमः शिवाय (Om Namah Shivaya)
- महा मृत्युंजय मंत्र (Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra)
- शिव गायत्री मंत्र (Shiva Gayatri Mantra)
- शिव ध्यान मंत्र (Shiva Dhyan Mantra)
- शिव पंचाक्षरी मंत्र (Shiva Panchakshari Mantra)
- रुद्र गायत्री मंत्र (Rudra Gayatri Mantra)
- शिव अष्टकम (Shiva Ashtakam)
- शिव महिम्न स्तोत्रम (Shiva Mahimna Stotram)
- शिव कवचम (Shiva Kavacham)
- शिव तांडव स्तोत्रम (Shiva Tandava Stotram)