Maha Shivratri 2023: Know the Full Story of the Auspicious Festival of Mahashivratri
In this article, we will explore the significance of Mahashivratri, the mythological stories associated with it, the rituals and customs followed during the festival, and how it is celebrated across different regions in India.
Significance of Mahashivratri
Mahashivratri is an auspicious festival that is believed to be the night of the marriage between Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. It is also said that on this day, Lord Shiva performed the Tandav, a dance that symbolizes creation, preservation, and destruction.
The festival holds great significance for devotees of Lord Shiva. It is believed that observing fast and offering prayers to Lord Shiva on this day can bring blessings, prosperity, and happiness in their lives. Devotees also seek forgiveness for their sins and hope to attain moksha or liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
Mythological Stories Associated with Mahashivratri
👉According to Hindu mythology, there are several stories associated with the origin of Mahashivratri. One such story is the Samudra Manthan, the churning of the ocean, which is said to have taken place during the Vedic period. It is believed that during the churning of the ocean, a pot of poison emerged, which had the potential to destroy the entire universe. Lord Shiva drank the poison to save the world, and this act is celebrated as Mahashivratri.
👉Another story is the legend of Lingodbhava, which is associated with the Jyotirlinga form of Lord Shiva. According to this legend, Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu had an argument over who was more powerful. Lord Shiva appeared before them in the form of a huge pillar of light or Linga and challenged them to find the beginning and end of the Linga. Lord Vishnu failed in his attempt, while Lord Brahma lied about finding the end. Lord Shiva punished Brahma for his lie, and this incident is commemorated on Mahashivratri.
Rituals and Customs Followed during Mahashivra
Mahashivratri is celebrated with various rituals and customs across different parts of India. Devotees wake up early in the morning, take a bath, and wear clean clothes. They observe a day-long fast, which is broken only after performing the Mahashivratri puja at night.
The puja involves offering milk, honey, fruits, and flowers to Lord Shiva, and performing the Maha Rudra Abhishek, a ritual of bathing the Shiva Linga with water, milk, and other offerings. Devotees also chant mantras and bhajans in praise of Lord Shiva and meditate on his name.
In some regions, devotees also visit Shiva temples and offer bael leaves, which are considered to be Lord Shiva's favorite. They also light diyas or earthen lamps in the temple and perform aarti, a ritual of waving a lighted lamp in front of the deity.
Celebration of Mahashivratri across Different Regions in India
Mahashivratri is celebrated with great fervor across India, and each region has its unique customs and traditions. In North India, especially in the states of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, devotees take out processions.