Maha Shivaratri – A Night of Shiva & Shakti

Shivaratri, also known as Maha Shivaratri, is one of the most significant Hindu festivals dedicated to Lord Shiva. The word “Shivaratri” translates to the “night of Shiva,” and it is observed with great devotion by millions of people around the world. The festival typically falls once a year, during the 14th day of the dark fortnight of the month of Phalguna (February or March) according to the Hindu lunar calendar.

It is also Known as Marriage day of Lord Shiva with Mata Parvati 

About Shivaratri:

1. Night of Devotion and Vigil: Shivaratri is considered a night of fasting, meditation, and prayer. Devotees stay awake the entire night (called Jagarana) in worship and remembrance of Lord Shiva, offering their devotion through prayers, chants of the sacred mantra “Om Namah Shivaya,” and by participating in temple rituals.
2. Spiritual Meaning: Shivaratri is believed to be a night when Lord Shiva performed the cosmic dance of creation, preservation, and destruction. It is a time for introspection, repentance, and renewal, as devotees ask for forgiveness for their past sins and seek spiritual growth.
3. Marriage of Lord Shiva and Parvati: Some legends also associate Shivaratri with the divine marriage between Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, marking the union of the supreme consciousness (Shiva) with the material world (Parvati).
4. Overcoming Darkness and Ignorance: The festival symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance. It is believed that through devotion and prayer on this day, one can cleanse themselves of all impurities and attain moksha (liberation).
5. Legends of Shivaratri:Legend of Churning of the Ocean (Samudra Manthan): According to one myth, during the churning of the ocean, the poison that emerged was so strong that it threatened the entire creation. Lord Shiva drank the poison to save the world, and the poison turned blue in his throat, earning him the name Neelkanth.                                                                                                                        Legend of the Hunter and the Shiva Linga: Another story tells of a hunter who accidentally worshiped Lord Shiva on Shivaratri. He had no idea about the significance of the day, but by offering leaves from a bilva tree and performing simple rituals, he pleased Lord Shiva, who blessed him with divine grace.

Rituals and Customs:

1. Fasting: Many devotees observe a strict fast, where they avoid food and water or take fruits and milk. This fast is believed to purify the body and mind.
2. Chanting and Prayers: Devotees chant “Om Namah Shivaya” and other hymns in praise of Lord Shiva. Temples hold special night-long prayers, and devotees participate in “Shiva Arati” and “Shiva Pooja” to seek blessings.
3. Worship of Shiva Linga: Devotees visit Shiva temples to offer bel (Bilva) leaves, water, milk, honey, and sandalwood paste on the Shiva Linga. The worship is believed to purify one’s soul.
4. Night Vigil (Jagarana): As a part of the festival, people stay awake throughout the night, engage in prayer, sing devotional songs (bhajans), and listen to the stories of Lord Shiva. It is believed that staying awake and meditating on this night helps in purging sins.
5. The Four Phases of the Night: Devotees observe the night in four phases, each dedicated to one of Lord Shiva’s qualities, reflecting different parts of his cosmic cycle. Some people believe that the night is divided into 4 parts of 3 hours each, and worship is performed accordingly to mark each phase.

Spiritual Benefits of Shivaratri:

• Moksha (Liberation): It is believed that those who observe Shivaratri with complete devotion and sincerity can attain liberation or moksha and rid themselves of past karmas.
• Purification of the Mind and Soul: The night of Shivaratri is considered to be auspicious for meditation and seeking spiritual wisdom. By meditating on Lord Shiva, one can purify the mind and overcome ego and ignorance.
• Strengthening Devotion: Fasting, chanting, and the other rituals associated with Shivaratri strengthen one’s connection with the divine and deepen their spiritual practice.

Popular Places of Worship:

The 12 Jyotirlingas are sacred shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva, located across India. These temples are considered some of the holiest places for devotees of Lord Shiva. Each Jyotirlinga is associated with a legend and holds immense religious significance in Hinduism. Here are the 12 Jyotirlingas

1. Somnath (Saurashtra, Gujarat)             

                                                                                                Somnath is the first Jyotirlinga, and it is believed to have been the first temple to be built. It is a significant pilgrimage site for Hindus and is associated with the moon god, Soma.

2. Mallikarjuna (Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh)

Mallikarjuna is located on Mount Srisailam, and it is associated with the legend of Lord Shiva and Parvati. It is one of the most revered temples in South India.

3. Mahakaleshwar (Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh)

This Jyotirlinga is located in Ujjain and is believed to be a swayambhu (self-manifested) idol. It is known for its unique form of worship where the idol faces south.

4. Omkareshwar (Khandwa, Madhya Pradesh)

Located on an island in the Narmada River, Omkareshwar is associated with the sound “Om.” The temple is a prominent religious site in Madhya Pradesh.

5. Kedarnath (Kedarnath, Uttarakhand)

Situated in the Himalayas, Kedarnath is one of the most difficult pilgrimages due to its high altitude. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva as Kedarnath, the “Lord of Kedar.”

6. Bhimasankar (Pune, Maharashtra)

Located near Pune, Bhimasankar is associated with the demon Bhima, who was defeated by Lord Shiva. The temple is an important religious site in Maharashtra.

7. Kashi Vishwanath (Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh)

Kashi Vishwanath is one of the holiest temples in India, located in the city of Varanasi on the banks of the Ganges River. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva as the “Lord of the Universe.”

8. Trimbakeshwar (Trimbak, Maharashtra)

Trimbakeshwar is located near Nashik and is known for the “Trimbak” (three-faced) idol of Lord Shiva. The temple is associated with the source of the Godavari River.

9. Baijnath (Deoghar, Jharkhand )

 Baijnath is famous for its healing powers and is believed to have cured the demon king Ravana of his ailments. The temple is located in Deoghar, which is in Jharkhand.

10. Nageshwar (Dwarka, Gujarat)

Nageshwar is located near Dwarka and is associated with the serpent god, Naga. It is believed that worshipping here removes all obstacles and diseases.                                                                                                                                                                                                       

 11.Ramanathaswamy  (Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu) 

                                                                         Ramanathaswamy is located in Rameswaram, where it is believed that Lord Rama worshipped Lord Shiva before going to Lanka. It is also famous for its massive corridors and the spiritual significance of the place.

12.Grishneshwar (Ellora, Maharashtra)   

                                                                                             Grishneshwar is the last of the 12 Jyotirlingas, located near the Ellora Caves in Maharashtra. It is famous for its association with the legend of the devotion of a woman named Sudhama.

Each of these temples is an important pilgrimage site and holds deep religious and spiritual significance.