There are several tales of the festival's beginnings. It is said to commemorate the anniversary of Lord Shiva's marriage to Goddess Parvati. Shivratri is commemorated on the day when Lord Shiva rescued the world by swallowing poison that erupted from the ocean during the Samudra Manthan, according to legend.
Significance
This event has historic origins in the significance of the dancing
heritage. In the main Hindu temples like Konark, Khajuraho, Pattadakal, Modhera
and Chidambaram the Maha Shivaratri has been the traditional meeting point for
artists to perform yearly dance festivals. In Chidambaram temple, which is
famed for its sculption portraying all the dance sculptures in the Hindi text
of performing arts called Natyanjali, the event is known as "worship via
dance." This is the occasion. Similarly, Alexander Cunninghame reported in
1864 at the Khajuraho Shiva Temples, a huge Maha Shivaratri fair and dance
event with Shaiva pilgrims tented for kilometres surrounding the temple complex
Deity
Lord Shiva
Ritual (pooja, vrat etc.)
Lord Shiva's devotees all around the world are celebrating
MahaShivratri. The Lord Shiva's "Great Night" is one of the main
Hindus celebrations. MahaShivratri is observen in the "Phalguna"
months, according to a Hindu calendar, on the 'Chaturdashi Krishna Paksha' or
on the 14th day of the New Moon phase. Divine people on Shivratri bathe in the
Ganga or in other surrounding waterways, and visit Shiva temples with their
milk, fruit and other godly offerings. A major component of Shivratri's
ceremonies is also observing a rigorous rapid.
MahaShivratri Puja Vidhi
MahaShivratri Fasting is a very ancient custom. Devotees take a
holy bath on Shivratri and visit Darshan and Puja at the neighbouring Shiva
Temple. The next day at temples is conducted an abhishek (bathing Shiva idols).
The abhishek is made from several thimgs such as milk, sandalwood paste,
yoghurt, honey, ghee, sugar and water. Devotees also combine all these things
while singing mantras on the Shivling.
Different products are
provided, such as bilipatra and dhatura flowers and a range of fruits. Devotees
quickly eat fruit and sip coconut water all day long. Some devotees do
upvaasnirjala or quickly without even water.MahaShivratri puja is performed
throughout the night in all four prahars. Prahar denotes the various hours of
the day. In India, a day is divided into eight three-hour periods known as
ashtaprahar.Celebrations
MahaShivratri, unlike many Hindu holidays, is not a happy occasion. This
is a night for self-reflection and introspection with the goal of developing
and letting go of everything that is getting in the way of our achievement.
MahaShivratri is observed by people all throughout the country, according to
local customs. Some people celebrate in the morning, while others have pujas
and jagrans in the evening. On MahaShivratri, devotees also fast for the whole
day, eating only the next day after bathing. The fast is followed not only to
gain Lord Shiva's blessings, but also to put one's own willpower to the test.How to celebrate (including dishes etc.)
Many devotees observe a mahashivratrivrat, or fast, on this
auspicious day, and consume light, satvik food, or food eaten during religious
fasting.
Cereals, lentils, and grains are not recommended.
Garlic and onions are not included.
Instead of regular salt, rock salt (sendhanamak) is utilised.
Check read this page on Navratri Fasting Rules for additional
information on fasting foods.
If you'reorganising a Shivratrivrat, this collection will be quite
useful in determining your Shivratri menu.
Consume light, easy-to-digest foods. If at all feasible, go on a
full fast or eat only one meal each day. Many non-fasting persons avoid using
onions and garlic in their meals.
Do try to visit a Shiva
Temple and spend time in the temple remembering Shiva or practicing meditation.
It’s also a good day for charity.
Celebration in different regions/countries including Regional Variance
·
India
·
Nepal
·
Pakistan
Outside South Asia
Best places to experience/ Mela
The Annamalaiyar temple in Tiruvannamalai district in Tamil Nadu
celebrates Maha Shivaratri with tremendous pomp and grandeur. The
'Girivalam'/Giri Pradakshina, a 14-kilometer barefoot trek around Lord Shiva's
temple on top of the hill, is a particular form of worship on this day. At
sunset, a massive oil and camphor light is lit on the hilltop - not to be
mistaken with KarthigaiDeepam.
Date & Time
Maha Shivaratri Date: Thursday, March 11,
2021
Public Holidays (Y/N and where)
Yes
