Mahashivratri is celebrated with worship and religious fervour in honour of Lord Shiva all over the world. Lord Shiva was married to Devi Parvati on this day. This day is observed on the 13th night/14th day of the 11th Hindu month of Phalguna or Maagh (February-March) every year. Read on to know more interesting and amazing facts about this auspicious day…
1. Maha Shivaratri celebrates the union of Shiva and Shakti, the two greatest forces of the Universe
2. The term Maha Shivaratri means “Great Night of Shiva”
3. Shiva married Parvati on this day.
4. On this night Shiva performed the Tandava dance, the furious dance of all creation and destruction in the Universe.
5. It is a special night for unmarried women, who want a husband like Lord Shiva as he is the ideal companion.
6. Maha Shivaratri observances include poojas, abhisheka, fasting and staying awake at night with prayers and meditations. Devotees observe fast on the day before the Maha Shivaratri night. Some people have food only once while some follow a fruit and milk diet.
7. Nishita Kala or the time when Lord Shiva manifested as Shiva Lingam on earth is the most important time of the night for Shiva puja.
8. Mahashivratri is rejuvenating as we tune into the eternal yogi within ourselves by surrendering our body, consciousness to the awaken soul.
9. Shivalinga is a major ritual on Maha Shivaratri. Bathing the Shivalinga is performed using Milk, Honey, Sugar, Butter, black sesame seeds, Ganga Jal etc. After this, sandalwood paste and rice are applied on Shivalinga and fresh fruits and flowers are offered.
10. It is believed that by worshipping Lord Shiva and observing Maha Shivaratri fast for the entire night, one can have control over the negative thoughts like anger, lust, greed etc.