MAHA-SHIVRATRI
Maha Shivratri or Maha Shivaratri (Night of Shiva) is a Hindu festival, celebrated all over the country with much pump and enthusiasm.
The festival usually falls every year on the 13th night/14th day in the Krishna Paksha of the month of Maagha (as per Shalivahana) or Phalguna (as per Vikrama) in the Hindu calendar.
The festival is exclusively dedicated to Lord Shiva which is known by hundreds of names.
Maha Shivratri is the day to rejoice…to pray to the almighty for wellness. Almost all Hindus throughout the world offer prayers in the morning/evening and some observe fasting throughout the day. Most people visit the nearby temples of Shiva and offer prayers in large crowds.
As one says thatShivratri is celebrated as Lord Shiva was married to Devi Parvati on Shivratri. Remember Shiva minus Parvati is pure 'Nirgun Brahman'. With his illusive power, (Maya, Parvati) He becomes the "Sagun Brahman" for the purpose of the pious devotion of his devotees.
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It is also believed that on Shivratri, Lord Shiva became 'Neelkantham' or the blue-throated by swallowing the deadly poison that came up during the churning of "Kshir Sagar" or the milky ocean. The poison was so deadly that even a drop in His stomach, which represents the universe, would have annihilated the entire world. Hence, He held it in His neck, which turned blue due to the effect of poison. Shivratri is therefore also a day of thanksgiving to the Lord for protecting us from annihilation.
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The prayers and worship continue throughout the night and the devotees offer coconut, Bilva leaves, fruits and specially prepared sacred food to Shiva and his divine consort Parvati.
Puja is performed to the Shiv parivar Shivji, Parvati Mata, Ganeshji, Karthikeyan and Nandi
A fast is observed the whole day and one eats after the puja in the night
Some people have Pundit read the Rudra Paath
Abhishek for Shivji is performed with panchamrut
Sweets and thandai are offered as bhog
Ratrl Jaagran (staying awake at night). People stay awake through the night singing Shivji bhajans either at home or at the temple
Aarti is sung after the puja
This is an important day for the devotees of Shiva, who stay awake throughout the night, praying to him.
In all major centers of Shiva worship, Shivratri, also called Maha Shivratri, is a grand occasion.
From the very early morning, Shiva temples are filled with devotees, mostly women, who come to perform the traditional worship of the Shivalinga.
(http://festivals.iloveindia.com/mahashivratri/pics/maha-shivaratri-rituals.jpg)
All throughout the day, devotees abstain from eating food and break their fast only the next morning after which the nightlong worship takes place. This day is considered especially auspicious for women.
As on this very day, married women pray for the well being of their husbands and kids, while unmarried women pray for a husband like Shiva, who is considered to fit the bill of ideal husband because ‘He’ more or less have each and every quality that a women want in her future husband.
Hymns in praise of Lord Shiva are sung with great fervor and devotion.
People repeat the Panchakshara Mantra: “Om Namah Shivaya”. It is believed that one who utters the name of Shiva during Shivratri with proper devotion is freed from all sins, he/she reaches the abode of Shiva and lives happily there and it is also believed that he/she is liberated from the cycle of birth and death.
HAAP MAHA-SHIVRATRI TO ALL
Happy MahaShivratri
(http://festivals.iloveindia.com/mahashivratri/pics/maha-shivaratri-legends.jpg)
Lord Shiva
On the white summit of eternity
A single Soul of bare infinities,
Guarded he keeps by a fire-screen of peace
His mystic loneliness of nude ecstasy.
But, touched by an immense delight to be,
He looks across unending depths and sees
Musing amid the inconscient silences
The Mighty Mother's dumb felicity.
Half now awake she rises to his glance;
Then, moved to circling by her heart-beats' will,
The rhythmic words describe that passion-dance.
Life springs in her and Mind is born; her face
She lifts to Him who is Herself, until
The Spirit leaps into the Spirit's embrace.
ॐ नमः शिवाय