Maha Shivratri
Maha Shivratri is a Hindu Festival which is celebrated every year on 13th or 14th day in the Krishna Paksha of month Phalguna according to Hindu Calender. Maha Shivratri means the night of Shiva.
This is the night when Shiva is said to have performed the Tandava or the dance of primordial creation, preservation and destruction. The ceremonies take place chiefly at night. This is a festival observed in honour of Lord Shiva and it is believed that on this day Lord Shiva was married to Parvati.
People observe a strict fast on this day. Some devotees do not even take a drop of water and they keep vigil all night. The Shiva Lingam is worshipped throughout the night by washing it every three hours with milk, curd, honey, rose water, etc., whilst the chanting of the Mantra "Om Namah Shivaya" continues.
The most significant practices on this day are offerings of Bael (Bilva) leaves to the Lord Shiva, fasting and all night long vigil. Hymns in praise of Lord Shiva, such as the "Shiva Mahimna Stotra" of Pushpadanta or Ravana's "Shiva Tandava Stotra" are sung with great fervour and devotion. People repeat the 'Panchakshara' Mantra, "Om Namah Shivaya".
Jyotirlinga symbolises the shrine of Lord Shiv. There are twelve of them " DWADASA JYOTIRLINGAS" at twelve places that are sacred to the Hindus. It is believed that all these twelve Jyotirlingas are "Swayambhus" meaning that they sprung up by themselves at these places and temples were built upon them.
Maha Shivratri is a Hindu Festival which is celebrated every year on 13th or 14th day in the Krishna Paksha of month Phalguna according to Hindu Calender. Maha Shivratri means the night of Shiva.
This is the night when Shiva is said to have performed the Tandava or the dance of primordial creation, preservation and destruction. The ceremonies take place chiefly at night. This is a festival observed in honour of Lord Shiva and it is believed that on this day Lord Shiva was married to Parvati.
People observe a strict fast on this day. Some devotees do not even take a drop of water and they keep vigil all night. The Shiva Lingam is worshipped throughout the night by washing it every three hours with milk, curd, honey, rose water, etc., whilst the chanting of the Mantra "Om Namah Shivaya" continues.
The most significant practices on this day are offerings of Bael (Bilva) leaves to the Lord Shiva, fasting and all night long vigil. Hymns in praise of Lord Shiva, such as the "Shiva Mahimna Stotra" of Pushpadanta or Ravana's "Shiva Tandava Stotra" are sung with great fervour and devotion. People repeat the 'Panchakshara' Mantra, "Om Namah Shivaya".
Jyotirlinga symbolises the shrine of Lord Shiv. There are twelve of them " DWADASA JYOTIRLINGAS" at twelve places that are sacred to the Hindus. It is believed that all these twelve Jyotirlingas are "Swayambhus" meaning that they sprung up by themselves at these places and temples were built upon them.