Maha Shivratri Special - Legends and Rituals You Did Not Know
Maha Shivratri is a festival of great religious importance in India that is celebrated with tremendous enthusiasm and devotion across the country. It is predominantly observed to honor Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati and marks the day they were married. Every year, millions of people take part in the traditional rituals associated with this festival, such as puja, hawan, and the chanting of mantras.
People also observe the Shivratri fast and abstain from their regular food in honor of the Lord on this day. Aside from the traditional rituals, there are several lesser-known legends and stories about Shivratri and Maha Shivratri. According to Hindu beliefs, one such great legend about Shivratri involves Lord Shiva consuming poison in order to save the entire world.
This tale is believed to have taken place on the day of Maha Shivratri and is still celebrated with great reverence. Another interesting ritual of Maha Shivratri is the offering of Bel Patra. Bel Patra is a sacred leaf of the Bel tree, which is believed to be Lord Shiva's favorite.
Devotees offer Bel Patra to Lord Shiva as a symbol of their devotion and seek his blessings. These are just some of the lesser-known legends and rituals associated with Maha Shivratri. All in all, Mahashivratri is an occasion to remind us of the importance of faith, devotion, and values in our lives. The festival is celebrated by offering prayers and performing rituals in temples as well as in homes. The devotees also observe the Shivratri fast and meditate to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva.
The stories and rituals associated with Mahashivratri provide us with an opportunity to gain knowledge about this auspicious festival. So, let us take the time to explore these stories and rituals to gain insight into the celebration of Maha Shivratri.
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What is the Shivaratri story and why is it celebrated?
In its literal translation, the word "Shivratri" means "the night of Shiva." This night is believed to be when Lord Shiva performed the cosmic dance of creation, protection, and destruction. It is a time when different energies are in balance and harmony. Some people believe that this dance is what created the universe. (This is the most common Shivratri story)
Shivratri thus pays homage to Lord Shiva's divine power as the destroyer of evil and the transformer of negative into positive. On Shivratri, devotees of Lord Shiva in India and around the world offer special prayers and offerings, including flowers, fruits, and incense. They also perform the Maha Mrityunjaya Yagna, a special ritual prayer for peace, happiness, and prosperity.
On the whole, the festival is a time to give thanks and seek blessings from Lord Shiva, one of the most important deities in the Hindu religion. It is celebrated every year on the 13th night or 14th day of the Hindu month of Phalguna, which usually falls between February and March. On this day, Shiva is believed to have married the goddess Parvati, as already explained above.
Now that we can answer the question "what is Shivaratri," let us move further and figure out what "Maha Shivratri" means and what the difference between the two is:
Why is Mahashivratri celebrated?
As mentioned above, the term "Shivratri" translates into English as "the night of Shiva." By the same token, the word "Maha" in Maha Shivratri means "grand." So, the grand night dedicated to celebrating the deity is called Maha Shivratri.
The best answer to the question "What is Mahashivratri?" is that it's your day if you are a Shiva devotee. It is the most auspicious day in the Hindu calendar. It falls on the 13th night of the Krishna paksha of the Phalguna month. It is celebrated on the same day in all parts of the country. It is also known as "Shiva's Night." People worship Shiva on this day. They visit Shiva temples, light lamps, chant mantras, and sing devotional songs. It is believed that Shiva gave the first sermon on this day. It also marks the appearance of Aghora.
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What is the difference between Shivratri and Mahashivratri?
Shivratri and Mahashivratri are two Hindu festivals that honor Lord Shiva, the Hindu God of destruction. Both festivals are celebrated on the 13th night and 14th day of the Hindu month of Phalgun (February–March). Shivratri is the night of worship and austerity observed to honor Lord Shiva, while Mahashivratri is a major festival celebrated with much fanfare and devotion.
The main difference between Shivratri and Mahashivratri is that the former is celebrated as an observance, while the latter is celebrated as a festival. On Shivratri, devotees fast in honor of Lord Shiva and abstain from all worldly activities. They observe a nightlong vigil and meditate in Lord Shiva's name.
Mahashivratri, on the other hand, is celebrated with much enthusiasm and devotion. People offer prayers, perform special poojas, and present offerings to Lord Shiva. Devotees sing devotional songs, perform dance and music, and visit Shiva temples to seek blessings from Lord Shiva. Apart from that, it should also be noted that Shivratri is observed on a monthly basis, while Mahashivratri is observed on a yearly basis. The former is mainly celebrated to mark the night when Lord Shiva performed the Tandava dance, while the latter is celebrated to mark the wedding anniversary of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
Mahashivratri background: How is the festival celebrated in different parts of India (and abroad)?
Mahashivratri background: It is an ancient Hindu festival of India, celebrated every year in honor of the great Lord Shiva. It is among the most significant and major festivals in the religion of Hinduism and is celebrated in different ways across the country. The festival commemorates the day Lord Shiva married Goddess Parvati and is held on the 13th night or 14th day of the dark half of the Hindu month of Magh.
It is also referred to as "Shiva Ratri" and "the Great Night of Shiva" and is celebrated with great enthusiasm and zeal in different parts of India and even abroad. In some places, devotees take part in a procession carrying the holy Ganges water, which is then offered to Lord Shiva. In some other parts of the country, devotees observe a fast and spend the night in prayers and meditations. Many also observe a "partial fast," where they consume only one meal a day. In some places, special rituals are performed, such as the "Abhishek," in which milk and water are poured over a Shiva Lingam (the divine symbol of Lord Shiva).
This is followed by offerings of flowers, fruits, incense, and dhoop (a fragrant paste made from sandalwood and other herbs). In the evening, devotees gather at temples to offer a special prayer called "Shiva Puja." This involves chanting mantras and offering "bael leaves" and "dhoop" (a fragrant paste made from sandalwood and other herbs) to Lord Shiva.
After the puja, devotees sing devotional songs and dance in joy. At the end of the day, devotees light "diyas" (small earthen lamps) to signify the victory of good over evil. Fireworks and bonfires are also lit as a sign of joy and celebration. The day is essentially a reminder of the power of Lord Shiva and his ability to protect us from evil.
What are Shivratri drawings?
During the festival of Shivratri, people make various creative drawings, commonly known as mandalas, in front of their homes and temples, especially in different parts of northern India. These drawings are usually made of different kinds of natural materials, such as clay, sand, sesame seeds, and even water. The Shivratri drawings (or mandalas) mostly depict the worship of Lord Shiva and his family. Generally, people draw the pictures of Lord Shiva, Gauri, Ganesha, and Parvati, the Goddess of Nature, in a Shivratri festival drawing. These drawings are usually created with the help of a wooden stick and natural colors. Each creative drawing (or Shivratri festival drawing) is made on the ground outside the houses or on the walls, in most cases.
Why is Mahashivratri celebrated, and what are the different beliefs and legends surrounding it?
Maha Shivaratri is celebrated each year on the 13th night and 14th day of the Hindu lunar month of Phalguna. It is a festival dedicated to Shiva, one of the most beloved Hindu gods, and is celebrated in honor of his marriage to the goddess Parvati.
The festival is celebrated all over India (and even abroad), with celebrations varying according to region and culture. One of the most popular (and widely believed) legends associated with the celebration of Shivratri (or Mahashivratri) is the story of Shiva drinking the poison Halahala. As the gods and demons were churning the ocean of milk in order to gather the nectar of immortality, a poison called Halahala emerged from the depths of the ocean. All the gods and demons ran away from the poison, but Shiva stepped forward and drank it, thus saving the world from destruction.
This act of selflessness is celebrated each year on Shivratri. Another popular legend associated with Shivratri is the story of Shiva's marriage to Parvati. Parvati was the daughter of Himalaya, the king of the mountains, and she was determined to marry Shiva. After undergoing severe penance, she finally succeeded in her aim, and the marriage was celebrated on the day of Shivratri. The celebration of Maha Shivratri marks the convergence of Shiva and Shakti. According to
Hindu mythology, on the day of Maha Shivratri, the entire universe is filled with divine energy.It is believed that one can easily attain salvation by worshiping Shiva on this day. These are just some of the many stories associated with the celebration of Shivratri and Maha Shivratri. No matter which one you choose to believe in, the celebration of Shivratri is a reminder of the power of devotion and the power of selflessness!
Conclusion
Mahashivratri is an auspicious day that is celebrated with great devotion and joy. It symbolizes the victory of good over evil and the power of Lord Shiva to protect and bless his devotees. On this day, devotees of Shiva living in India and around the world offer their prayers, fast, and perform austerities to seek his blessings. Also, the day holds special significance for married couples, as it is believed that worshiping Shiva on this day will bring harmony and bliss into their marital life. The festival of MahaShivratri is a reminder of the power of the divine and the importance of seeking his blessings and grace. May Lord Shiva bestow his divine blessings upon all and bring peace, joy, and contentment into everyone's lives.
FAQ's
1. Why is Shivratri celebrated?
Shivratri is a Hindu festival celebrated every year as a tribute to Lord Shiva, the destroyer of all evil and the lord of creation and destruction. It is believed that on this day, Lord Shiva performed the "Tandav" dance, and this day is seen as the most auspicious day for worshiping Lord Shiva.
Shivratri is celebrated with great zeal and enthusiasm in India, Nepal, and other parts of the world by worshiping Lord Shiva and offering him special prayers.
2. Why do we celebrate Mahashivratri?
If you want to know why Mahashivratri is celebrated and understand the significance of this festival, you must first be familiar with the beliefs (or legends) surrounding it. This festival is essentially celebrated as a symbol of dedication and commitment to God Shiva, and it is believed that worshiping him on this day will bring blessings and prosperity in life.
One of the primary reasons why we celebrate Mahashivratri is because it's a time to celebrate the power of Lord Shiva, who embodies the divine power of destruction and renewal.
3. What is a Mahashivratri drawing?
During the festival of Maha Shivratri, the devotees of Lord Shiva, especially those residing in northern India, draw special diagrams called "mandalas" at the entrances of Shiva temples or at their homes. A mandala (or Mahashivratri drawing) is an intricate pattern drawn with colored rice powder, flowers, and colored sand that represents the cosmic universe and its divine energy. They are believed to be full of positive energy and to bring in good luck and prosperity.
People also draw a "shiva lingam" at the center of the mandala, which is a representation of Lord Shiva. The devotees offer prayers and worship to Lord Shiva, perform special poojas and rituals, and light lamps and diyas to celebrate the festival.
4. When is Shivratri?
Shivratri is an important Hindu festival that is celebrated annually on the 14th day of the dark fortnight in the Hindu month of Phalguna (February or March). It is generally celebrated with much fanfare and devotion as it marks the night when Lord Shiva performed the Tandava dance.
5. When is Mahashivratri?
Mahashivratri is an annual Hindu festival celebrated on the 13th night or 14th day of the Hindu month of Maagha or Phalguna, which usually falls in late February or early March. This year, it will most likely be celebrated on March 11th.
6. Are Shivratri and Mahashivratri celebrated on the same day?
No, Shivratri and Mahashivratri are not celebrated on the same day. Shivratri is celebrated on the night of the 13th or 14th day of the waning moon of the Hindu month Maagha, while Mahashivratri is celebrated on the 13th eve or 14th day of the waning moon of the Hindu month Phalguna. While Shivratri is observed (or celebrated) every month, Mahashivratri is a once-a-year event.