Maha Shivaratri 2024

                     🙏🙏HAR HAR MAHADEV🙏🙏

What is Maha Shivaratri:

According to various Puranas and scriptures of Sanatana Dharma, there are many stories for why we celebrate Mahashivaratri as well as it has various significance. One story says that, Shiva and Pārbati were married on this auspicious day, few say that this was the day when Shiva manifested as a column of fire, and thus marks the day when He was first seen by Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu.

 But the story which my granny has told me, and to why we do fasting and do Jagaran( be awake for the entire night) is-

According to Shiva Purana, Devas and Asuras did Samudra Manthan (churning of the Ocean for getting the celestial nectar). During the process of the samudra Manthan, foremost poison oozed out of the Ocean, and all the devas and Asuras, prayed to Mahadev not knowing what to do and to save them.Then Shiva came and drank all the poison (halahal) and saved the entire world from getting extinct. His consort Pārbati was worried, that the poison may enter into Shiva's body, so, she held her hand on Shiva's throat, for one complete day and night, she sat beside Him without eating and sleeping for one full day. So, the poison was held in Shiva's throat and never entered his body, thus making His throat blue in colour (Neelakhanta). Neela means blue in Bengali. Since, Goddess Pārbati did fasting for the entire day and night, we too do fasting and do Jagaran (being awake for the entire night), this festival is called Maha Shivaratri.

 

What is the significance and importance of Maha Shivaratri?

 

  Lord Shiva the most revered deity described in Vedic scriptures is gloried on the night of Maha Shivratri. Being fountainhead of perfection, yoga, meditation, bliss and spirituality, Shiva was in ancient Vedic times worshipped by all the orders of the Vedic society starting with renowned saints (Brahmins) who sought the blessings of Lord Shiva for moksha, fabled warriors (Kshatriyas) who prayed to Him for honor, strength and bravery, merchants and traders (Vaishyas) who worshipped him for wealth and profits, and the servant class (Shudras) who worshipped Him for daily bread and butter.

Srimad Bhagvatam (4.6.34) mentions that Lord Shiva is accompanied by Lord Kubera, the god of wealth and the four Kumaras, who are celibate and liberated souls. This indicates that the Supreme Lord is the sanctuary for both kinds of devotees, the ones who seek wealth and worldly pleasures and the ones who seek liberation from miseries of the world.

On Mahashivratri, worshipping Lord Shiva and performing Maha Shivratri Puja is supremely auspicious and beneficial. You can perform Shiva Abhishek and other Shiv Pujas. This is the most auspicious time to please Him for He can quickly bestow benedictions.

 

Who is Lord Shiva?

Lord Shiva is considered to be the destroyer of ego, and due to his kindness, he removes previous negative actions which obstruct the development of souls and prevent us from reaching our full potential. Maha Shivaratri gives an opportunity to change and awaken their believers that who we really are. It is believed that the person praying Lord Shiva with full devotion to Maha Shivratri receives salvation. Devotees keep fasting day and night and break their fast the next morning. It is believed that Maha Shivaratri can help him gain control of Raj Gun (more passion) and Tamas Gun (ignorance).

 

Some Facts About MahaShibaratri:

 Interesting facts about Maha Shivaratri is one of the most anticipated and festive Hindu festivals. It is celebrated with great reverence and enthusiasm in the honor of Lord Shiva. Stories related to the traditions and customs associated with the cause of Mahashivaratri are made to read truly enlightening and interesting!

Though Mahashivaratri is celebrated all along the night, but the night of Maha Shivratri is considered to be one of the darkest nights of the year.

Maha Shivratri symbolizes the union of Shiva and Shakti - two powerful forces of the universe.

It is believed that Lord Shiva was married to Goddess Parvati on Mahashivaratri. Incidentally, Lord Shiva is considered an ideal husband. Therefore, young girls fast for Maha Shivratri and pray so that they get a Husband like Her, while married women pray for marital happiness.

                         🙏🙏HAR HAR MAHADEV🙏🙏