Why is Mahashivratri Celebrated?
Maha Shivaratri is a Hindu festival celebrated annually in reverence of the God Shiva. It is believed to be the day Shiva saved the universe by drinking "haalaahala" the poison that emerged from the churning of the ocean (samudra manthana). While most Indian festivals are celebrated during the day, Shivaratri is celebrated during the night by keeping a "jaagaran"- a night-long vigil as its believed that Lord Shiva saved the universe from darkness and ignorance.
Hindu festivals are based on the lunar calendar and Mahashivratri falls on the sixth night of the dark phalgun. Easier to understand, the fourteenth day of every lunar month (the darkest night) is called Shivratri. There are 12 Shivratris in the year, but this particular one is of great significance.
According to astrology, the planetary positions on this day are aligned favorably, evoking spiritual energies. Particularly, the northern hemisphere of our planet is positioned such that every person's inner spiritual energy surges. To use this opportunity well, a night-long vigil is held honoring Lord Shiva (jaagran). It is a night full of prayers, chanting and reverence. The mantras such as Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra increase greatly on this night.
Maha Shivaratri is the main Hindu festival among people all over India, especially Hindu Diasporas from the Northern Indian State of Bihar. People pay homage at twelve Jyotirlingas (lingams of light) which are sacred shrines to Lord Shiva, and centers for his worship. They are known as Swayambhus, meaning the lingams sprung up by themselves at these locations, and temples were built there afterwards. In Indo-Caribbean communities throughout the West Indies, thousands of Hindus spend the auspicious night in over 400 temples across the country, offering special jhalls to Lord Shiva. In Mauritius, Hindus go on pilgrimage to Ganga Talao, a crater-lake, turned into the main Hindu prayer site of this sole Hindu majority African country. In Nepal, millions of Hindus attend Shivaratri together from different part of the world at the famous Pashupatinath Temple. Thousands of devotees also attend Mahasivaratri at the famous Shiva Shakti Peetham of Nepal.
How is Mahashivratri Celebrated?
This auspicious day, like many Hindu occasions, is celebrated by observing a fast. The fast is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Shiva Lingas are bathed with water, milk and honey, signifying purification of the soul. After this, vermilion paste is applied to it, representing virtue. In addition, flowers, fruits and bel leaves are offered to Shiva Lingas across the country, marking gratification of desire. Incense is burnt and lamps lit to mark the occasion. People get together in temples, etc. and chant 'Om Namah Shivaya' all night long.
Rituals of Maha Shivaratri
Very early morning, Shiva temples are flocked by devotees, young and old, who come to perform the traditional Shivalinga worship (puja) and hence hope for favors from the God. Devotees bathe at sunrise, preferably in the Ganga, or any other holy water source (like the Shiv Sagartank at Khajurao). This is a rite of purification, which is an important part of all Hindu festivals. Wearing clean clothing after the holy bath, worshippers carry pots of water to the temple to bathe the Shivalinga. Women and men both offer prayers to the Sun, Vishnu and Shiva. The temple reverberates with the sound of bells and shouts of "Shankerji ki Jai" meaning 'Hail Shiva'. Devotees circulate the lingam three or seven times, and then pour water over it. Some also pour milk over it.
On Maha Shivaratri, Nishita Kala is the ideal time to observe Shiva Pooja. Nishita Kala celebrates when Lord Shiva appeared on the Earth in the form of Linga. On this day, in all Shiva temples, the most auspicious Lingodbhava Puja is performed.
According to the Shiva Purana, the Mahashivaratri worship must incorporate six items:
Bathing or purifying the Shiva Linga with water, milk and honey. Woodapple or bel leaves are added to, which represents purification of the soul; Vermilion paste is applied to the Shiva Linga after bathing it. This represents virtue; Offering of fruits, which are conducive to longevity and gratification of desires; Burning incense, yielding wealth; The lighting of the lamp which is conducive to the attainment of knowledge; And betel leaves marking satisfaction with worldly pleasures.
Tripundra refers to the three horizontal stripes of holy ash applied to the forehead by worshipers of Lord Shiva. These stripes symbolise spiritual knowledge, purity and penance (spiritual practice of Yoga). They also represent the three eyes of Lord Shiva.
Wearing a mala (rosary) made from the rudraksha seeds of the rudraksha tree (said to have sprung from the tears of Lord Shiva) when worshiping Lord Shiva is ideal. A rudraksha seed is mahogany-like color, or could sometimes be black. They might also have traces of sacred sandalwood powder, turmeric, kumkum, or holy ash if the rosary is used in worship ceremonies or annointations.
According to spiritual guru Sadhguru, the significance of Mahashivratri differs from person to person. For a family man, it is Lord Shiva's wedding anniversary. And for ascetics, the night marks the moment when Lord Shiva went 'absolutely still' and became one with Mount Kailash.
OM NAMH SHIVAY
Mahesh Bhatt
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