New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday greeted the nation on the auspicious occasion of Maha Shivratri which is being celebrated with devotion and religious fervor throughout the country.
“Maha Shivratri greetings to everyone,” Prime Minister Modi tweeted.
Devotees in large numbers thronged Shiva temples during the day.
People offered holy water and held special prayers at the Kashi Vishwanath temple in Varanasi, in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh.
In Ayodhya, another town in the same state, devotees prayed in Nageshwarnath temple after taking holy dip in Saryu River.
In Allahabad people bathed at the confluence of Ganga and Yamuna and offered holy waters at various Shiva temples.
Maha Shivratri is celebrated on the 6th night of the dark Phalgun (February or March) in the Indian calendar. It is believed that Lord Shiva was married to Parvati on this day.
Shivratri fast is considered to be the most important fast for the devotees of Lord Shiva.
Shiva Purana states that if a devotee observes Shivaratri Vrata (fast) with sincerity, pure devotion and love he is blessed with the divine grace of Lord Shiva.
The festival has fallen on a Monday after 12 years.
Why is Mahashivratri celebrated?
There are various theories to the origins of this Hindu festival. It symbolizes the night when Lord Shiva performed the famous ‘Tandava Nritya’ (cosmic dance).
The term Mahashivratri is derived from the three words – Maha (big), Shiva, Ratri (night). It is thus, a night to celebrate Lord Shiva in all his glory. It literally translates into – The great night of Shiva.
Mahashivratri is also supposedly marks when Lord Shiva got married to Goddess Parvati. Thus, the day is doubly auspicious as the cosmos witnessed a convergence of two mighty divine powers.
According to spiritual guru Sad guru, 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.
How is Mahashivratri celebrated?
The day is celebrated by observing a fast. The fast is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Shiva Lingas (phallus) 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 and chant ‘Om Namah Shivaya’ all night long.
The 14th day of every lunar month (the darkest night) is called Shivratri. There are 12 Shivratris in the year, but on Mahashivratri is the planetary positions are aligned favorably, evoking spiritual energies.
The northern hemisphere is positioned such a way that every person’s inner spiritual energy surges. Devotees hold nigh vigils with prayers and chants to use this opportunity well.