Maha Shivaratri is dedicated to Lord Shiva, the third deity of Hindi Trinity, one of the largest and most prestigious festivals of Hinduism. Maha Shivaratri is also called “The Great Night of Shiva” and comes just before the arrival of the spring season. Gorgeous celebrations and ceremonies mark the day across the country. People show their dedication to Lord Shiva by chanting prayers and mantras, singing songs all night. At dawn, they take a bath and visit temples with offerings like milk and flowers to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva.
This year, Maha Shivaratri On Wednesday, 26 February, Nishita Kaal Puja (midnight worship) will be celebrated on 27 February from 12:09 am to 12:59 pm on February 27 from 12:09 am to 12:59 pm.
Maha Shivratri history
Maha Shivaratri is a symbol of conquest of darkness and ignorance, encourages spiritual awakening and self-confidence. According to a legend, Maha Shivaratri was the day when Lord Shiva drank poisonous negativity to protect the world. Another legend says that this is the night when Lord Shiva performs heavenly dances of creation, protection and destruction, while some believe that it is the night when Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati were married.
Importance of Maha Shivratri
This festival reminds of the inequality of life and the cyclical nature of existence, encouraging devotees to embrace change, release enclosure and looking for internal changes.
This festival holds a deep spiritual significance for yogis and seekers on the path of self-interview, because it is believed that on this night, the energy center within the body, which is known as ‘chakra’, with cosmic energy Align, facilitates spiritual awakening and enlightenment.
Maha Shivaratri ritual
The rituals of Mahashivratri include decorating the Shiva Linga with flowers and hair leaves. Devotees fast one day and day and provide cannabis, fruits, honey, ghee, sweets and milk to Lord Shiva. They bathe early in the morning before going to the temple to seek blessings from the deity.
On the evening of Mahashivratri, people gather in the temple and worship Shiva Linga. Devotees spend light lamps and all night in the temple. In many temples across India, magnificent processions of Lord Shiva and Parvati are taken out on a palanquin at night.
A mild satisfactory food is usually performed to eliminate fasting on Mahshivratri. Prasad may include non-centered foods, fruits and sweets.
Maha Shivaratri fasting rules
On Maha Shivaratri, devotees follow strict fasting rules, avoiding consuming any kind of food and even water. Some can choose to observe a partial fasting by consuming some fruits, milk and nuts, while others choose to run a full fast for the whole day and night.
The fasting traditionally, after sunrise, consumes fruits, milk, and other vegetarian dishes with a simple food consumption. Devotees offer prayers and take the blessings of Lord Shiva before making part of the first meal, which is considered holy and blessed.