Why do we celebrate Maha-Shiva-Ratri?
According to Hindu mythology, there are several tales and beliefs that explain why Hindus celebrate Mahashivratri, from Lord Shiva's conception to the story of Neelkanth and his union with Goddess Parvati.
It's thought that Lord Shiva entered a deep state of meditation following Sati's passing. Sati took on the form of Parvati. Thus, on the fourteenth day of the dark fortnight in the month of Phalguna, Mahashivratri commemorates the merger of Shiva and Parvati.
Hinduism also holds that on this night, Shiva performed the dance of creation, preservation, and destruction.
However, according to some, Maha Shivaratri is a celebration of gratitude.
The world was once saved by Lord Shiva, according to this tale. Instead of swallowing the poison, he held it in his throat.
What happens on Maha-Shiva-Ratri?
The celebration combines a 24-hour vigil with a daylong fast.
Devotees rise early and take a ceremonial wash in the morning. After performing these ritual cleansings, they will proceed to the Shiva temple nearby to give offerings of milk, yoghurt, honey, ghee, sugar, and water.
Om Namah Shivaya, Shiva's sacred mantra, is said in homes and temples all over India.
During special pujas, streams of pilgrims continue to arrive throughout the day and into the night while incense is burned, lamps are lit, and other rituals are performed. Devotees observe a serious fast the entire time until the next morning.
What are the Do’s and Don’ts of Maha-Shiva-Ratri?
Do's
- Keep a vigil on Shivaratri if you can. Don't sleep all night; instead, spend it thinking about spiritual matters.
- Chant mantras, sing songs, listen to Lord Shiva stories, and meditate.
- Seek out Shiva temples. Most Shiva temples offer prayers all night long. Take part in the evening prayers.
- You should try to offer prayers and pujas at home as well. On Shivaratri, begin the pooja after dusk and perform it until dawn.
- Offering to Shiva Bilva leaves, white flowers, Ganges water, sacred ash, sandalwood paste, and milk. It is seen as lucky.
- Donate Prasad, food, clothing, and other supplies to the needy and underprivileged after the Shivaratri ceremony.
Don'ts
- Shivaratri, in contrast to certain other festivals, is not a time for revelry and merriment. Think on the Lord, go to the temple, perform Shiv puja at home, and spend time engaging in spiritual pursuits.
- If you're keeping a strict fast, avoid sleeping during Shivaratri. Keep watch all night long, sing praises to the gods, and recite the Lord's mantras.
- Avoid viewing movies or wasting time playing video games during Shivaratri. Avoid any indulgences of any kind. Spend the time solely in focused, sincere worship of the Lord.
- Never engage in disputes or spread lies. Eat just vegetarian cuisine. Avoid alcohol and all other addictive substances.
Why is Shivaratri is so powerful, scientifically?
Mahashivratri is regarded as having great significance. The position of the planet's northern hemisphere on this night causes a natural upswing in a person's energy and nature to push them into their spiritual peak.
Because of the wobble that the Earth makes while it revolves around the Sun, it is seen in accordance with the planetary system. On the new moon and full moon days, when the Moon's gravitational pull is strongest, entire body fluid rises upward and toward the brain.
And it has been demonstrated that the brain functions incredibly effectively when it receives enough oxygenated blood. The human circulatory system is also impacted by planetary positions.
Shiva is everything's soul. The festival of Mahashivratri serves as a reminder of the Shivoham, or "I am that principle," eternal truth.
Why should we not sleep in night in Maha-Shiva-Ratri?
Mahashivratri is one of the holiest Hindu nights, commemorating Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati's wedding night. This day is observed by devotees with joy and enthusiasm.
The big day is prepared for over a week. To impress the Lord, they fast throughout the day and sing mantras while awake the entire night. The night is the darkest of the year because the moon is also absent that day.
Spend the evening meditating and singing mantras like "Om Namah Shivaya" in a peaceful area of your home. Perform an Abhisheka with milk, curd, and honey if you have a Shiv Linga in your home.