New Delhi: Mahashivratri, a festival dedicated to Lord Shiva that is celebrated not only in India but worldwide, is one of the biggest festivals. It is held in February or March (Gregorian calendar). As per the Hindu calendar, Mahashivratri is observed on the 14th day of the first day of the first half of the Phalguna month.
The festival marks a remembrance of overcoming darkness and ignorance in life and the world. This year, Mahashivratri will be observed on February 26. On this day, let us learn some interesting facts about Mahashivratri.
Facts to know about Mahashivratri
- Mahashivaratri is an important festival in the Shaivism tradition of Hinduism. Unlike most Hindu festivals, which are celebrated during the day, it occurs at night.
- This festival is mentioned in several Puranas, especially the Skanda Purana, Linga Purana and Padma Purana. These texts discuss fasting and worshipping a lingam, symbolising Shiva.
- Mahashivaratri celebrates the union of Shiva and Shakti, the two most significant forces in the universe. On this day, Shiva married Parvati.
- The name Mahashivaratri means “Great Night of Shiva.” It is also believed that on this night, Lord Shiva performed the Tandava, a dance representing creation and destruction.
- The festival also symbolises the sacred union of the male and female principles of the universe, which represents the merging of the soul with the divine.
- People believe that worshipping Lord Shiva and fasting on Mahashivaratri allows them to control negative thoughts like greed and anger.
- In the quiet of the night, when the world is asleep, Mahashivaratri lets people connect with their inner selves. They can explore their consciousness and connect deeply with the divine through meditation, prayer, and contemplation.
- From a scientific perspective, staying awake and keeping a vertical posture helps the body’s energy flow. For the energy, or ‘Vata’, to move freely, the main energy channels, or ‘Nadis’, must be upright. This is easier when sitting or standing, not when lying down. Many spiritual leaders practice this on Mahashivaratri and encourage others to join. They believe this is the best day for this practice.
- Unmarried girls can fast, perform puja, aarti, and rudra abhishek, and pray for a good life partner. After Sati’s death, Lord Shiva entered deep meditation. Many years later, with help from Kamadeva, Parvati was able to wake him. Lord Shiva recognised her and married her. Married women also pray for their husbands’ well-being.
Mahashivratri, the “Great Night of Shiva”, is a significant Hindu festival celebrated annually in February/March. Observed through night-time worship of Shiva Lingam, it commemorates Shiva’s marriage to Parvati and symbolises the union of opposing forces. Read on to learn facts about this festival. knowledge Knowledge News, Photos and Videos on General Knowledge
