Maha Shivaratri, The Most Auspicious Festival of Hindus Which is Dedicated to Lord Shiva is celebrated in India and In Nepal with Great Devotion, Religious Intention and Importance. Maha Shivaratri is observed on 13th Night/14th day (New Moon Day) of 11th Hindu Month Maagha (Jan-Feb) and Phalgun (Feb-March), as per Hindu Calendar.
There are Many Interesting Mythological Stories Mentioned in Different Reference Books Associated with this Day.
- Some Say Maha Shivratri is the Day when Lord Shiva Came in the Form of Lingam (‘Lingodbhav Moorti”).
- While some say, It is the day when Lord shiva Did ‘Shiva Tandavam’ (Dance) all the night.
- Others believe that, On this day when Lord Shiva Drank “Halaa Hal” (poison) for the sake of world and became “Neelakanth”.
- There are others who also believe that, This is the day when Lord shiva and Goddess Parvathi Got Married.
Despite of these Multiple Reasons for Celebrations, Devotees celebrate this day with lot of respect and love. Lakhs of Devotees takes holy dips in various pilgrim destinations in rivers like Ganga, Krishna , Godavari. From Early Morning Onwards they all pay visit to Temples to Visit the Rudra Abhishekam of the Almighty. Devotees spent the festival days by fasting, offering special prayers to the Lord of Creation and Destruction, Lord Shiva And they Spent all the night with out sleeping by chanting “Om Namah Shivaya !”.
Happy Maha Shivratri To All..!
Sources: Yahoo India Lifestyle | IBTimes
I didn't know most of this. Thanks for the info. You have a really rich culture.
You’ve got to be kidding me-it’s so trreapasnntly clear now!
Sir Namaste, most important point on Maha Shivarathri is LORD SHIVA will come to earth in AGNI (fire) rupa for purifying the nature. In midnight ie 11.59.59 to 12.0.1 will be on the earth. It’s called LINGODHBHAVA time. In every temple people are conducting LINGODHBHAVA abishekam.