Lord Shiva is a major deity in Hinduism, and he is considered the destroyer of evil and the transformer in the Hindu trinity of gods, alongside Brahma, the creator, and Vishnu, the preserver.
Lord Shiva is worshipped in many forms across Nepal and other parts of the world, and he is a popular deity among devotees of Hinduism. He is also associated with many festivals, including Maha Shivaratri, which is dedicated to his worship.
Lord Shiva is associated with many qualities such as power, strength, and wisdom, but he is also known for his compassion, kindness, and devotion to his devotees. He is often depicted in Hindu scriptures as living a simple life in the mountains, where he meditates and performs penance to maintain cosmic order.
In Hindu mythology, Lord Shiva is depicted as a powerful ascetic with matted hair, a crescent moon on his forehead, a third eye, and a trident in his hand. He is also known as “Mahadev” or “the great god” and is revered as the ultimate authority on yoga and meditation.
The name “Maha Shivaratri” means “the great night of Shiva,” and it is believed to be the night when Lord Shiva performed the cosmic dance of creation, preservation, and destruction. On this day, devotees offer prayers to Lord Shiva and observe fasts, meditate and chant mantras to seek his blessings.
There are different legends and stories associated with the origin of Maha Shivaratri. According to one legend, it is believed that on this day, Lord Shiva married Goddess Parvati, while another legend states that it is the day when Lord Shiva drank the poison to save the world from destruction.
Maha Shivaratri is celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion throughout India, especially in North India, and Nepal. Devotees visit temples, perform traditional rituals, and offer milk, fruits, and flowers to Lord Shiva. It is believed that observing Maha Shivaratri with devotion and sincerity can bring peace, prosperity, and spiritual growth to one’s life.
What can we do in maha shivaratri
Maha Shivaratri is a significant festival in the Hindu calendar, and there are various ways to celebrate and observe it. Here are some of the things that you can do on Maha Shivaratri:
- Observe fast: Fasting is an essential aspect of Maha Shivaratri. Devotees observe a strict fast, abstaining from food and water for the entire day, or they can consume fruits and milk.
- Visit temples: Visiting Lord Shiva temples and offering prayers to the deity is a popular practice on Maha Shivaratri. Devotees can perform traditional rituals like Abhishekam, a ritual where the idol of Lord Shiva is bathed with water, milk, and honey.
- Chanting Mantras: Chanting mantras dedicated to Lord Shiva is another way to observe Maha Shivaratri. The most popular mantra is “Om Namah Shivaya,” which is believed to have a powerful effect on the mind and soul.
- Meditation and Yoga: Maha Shivaratri is an auspicious day for meditation and yoga. Devotees can spend time meditating, practicing yoga, and connecting with their inner selves.
- Donations: It is considered auspicious to donate to the poor and needy on Maha Shivaratri. This is believed to bring blessings and good karma to the donor.
- Read and listen to stories: Reading and listening to stories and legends associated with Lord Shiva is another way to celebrate Maha Shivaratri. These stories are not only inspiring but also help in understanding the significance of the festival.
These are some of the things that you can do on Maha Shivaratri to celebrate and observe the festival. The most important thing is to do it with devotion and sincerity.