HAR HAR MAHADEV!
Maha Shivratri festival falls on the 7th March (Monday) in this year. Known as “The Night of Shiva”, it is a Hindu festival celebrated annually in reverence of Lord Shiva throughout the globe. This heartily celebrated festival is also known as Padma Rajarathri. The occasion is selected on the occurrence of the new moon day, in the month of Maagha. Shiva devotees keep a full day fast and by the end, sacred shivling is a bathed with honey, milk and water. Practice of sincere devotion is said to help them to attain ‘moksha’.
“Maha Shivratri is not only a ritual, but also a cosmic definition of the Hindu Universe.”
5 main facts to know about this prosperous festival are:
1. Maha Shivratri is important for obtaining control over Rajas Guna (excess passion) and Tamas Guna (ignorance) by observing strict day and night fast.
2. Maha Shivratri celebrates the unification of Shiva and Shakti, the two supreme forces of the Universe. Lord Shiva was married to Devi Parvati, and since then with his illusive power (Maya) he became the “Sagun Brahman” serving the function of the religious devotion.
3. Monks believe that, it is the day when Lord Shiva became Achaleshwara and fused with the mountains. In a way he became an integral part of them. Thus this belief makes them see Maha Shivratri as a day of tranquility.
4. Lord Vishnu emerged as Krishna at Gokul around midnight, 180 days after Shivratri, commonly known as Janmashtami. Therefore according to Hindu calendar, the round of one year is separated into two phases by these two religiously auspicious days; Shivratri and Janmashtami.
5. It is believed that on this day, Shiva performed the Tandava Nritya which symbolizes the Creation and Destruction of the Universe.
It’s one of the best festivals for all those who want to relish each and every moment. May the splendor of Lord Shiva light up your day!
HAPPY MAHA SHIVRATRI!
