Mahashivratri Festival – Part I

The devotees of Lord Shiva look upon the festival of Mahashivratri with greatest reverence & respect. This festival is celebrated every year on the 14th day in the Krishna Paksha of the month of Phalgun. As per the English calendar this is somewhere around the end of Feb or the beginning of March. And this year it was celebrated on 16-Feb-2007

Shivratri held in the Phalguna month is a socio-religious function that is the very part of a Hindu's life. It is believed that on this day Goddess Parvati was wedded to Shiva. The Shivratri symbolizes the wedding of the two, and on this occasion the Bhairavas and other Ganas accompanying Lord Shiva are fed with choicest dishes up to the fill and to their satisfaction.

Legends

Lord Shiva and his wife Sati were in Kailash abode, and Daksh, father of Sati, was doing a big yagya (fire ceremony). Sati went to the yagya without an invitation from her father. Daksh was very proud, and out of his great pride, he was disrespecting God Shiva. Sati could not tolerate it. So she jumped in the fire of yagya and finished Herself.

When Lord Shiva heard about this incident, out of fury, he was on the threshold to destroy the universe. It was only when other gods interfered and calmed down his anger that it was saved. God Shiva was now alone and went into deep meditation. Then Sati again took birth as Parvati in the family of god Himalaya. So, from very childhood She desired to meet God Shiva. In order to break the meditation of Lord Shiva, She undertook grave austerity in the jungle- all absorbed in love of God Shiva. So the day was fixed for their marriage, and on this particular day, Hindu celebrates the union of God Shiva and Parvati.

Customs & Rituals

The celebration of Mahashivratri include bhajans offered in praise of Lord Shiva, offering milk, water, fruit, incense and flowers to Lord Shiva, circling the lingam, and ringing the bell. The conches are blown and rousing arti is performed to Lord Shiva.Devotees observe fast on this day, taking only fruits & milk. And Perform elaborate puja of Lord Shiva, and perform Rudrabhisheka. Chant various hymns & bhajan of Lord Shiva. Chant the mantra ‘Om Namah Shivaya’ as many times as you can. Practise Dhyana for longer periods than the usual routine.

Regional Celebrations Of Mahashivratri

The festival of Mahashivratri is observed throughout India including the southern region. Some of the major states include Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Bihar, Maharashtra etc