What is Maha Shivrati? Maha Shivratri is the night of the worshiping of Lord Shiva, it occurs on the 14th night of the new moon during the dark half of the month of Phalguna usually around (Feb / March) when Hindus offer special prayer to the lord of destruction.
Here're two reasons some people celebrate Shivratri:
- Lord Shiva was married to Devi Parvati on Shivratri. Remember Shiva minus Parvati is pure Nirgun Brahman. With his illusive power, (Maya, Parvati) He becomes the "Sagun Brahman" for the purpose of the pious devotion of his devotees.
- It is also believed that on Shivratri, Lord Shiva became Neelkantham by swallowing the deadly poison that came up from the ocean during the churning of "Kshir Sagar". The poison was so deadly that even a drop in His stomach, which represents the universe, would have annihilated the entire world. Hence, He held it in His neck, which turned blue due to the effect of poison. Shivratri is therefore also a day of thanksgiving to the Lord for protecting us from annihilation. The 14th shloka of Shivmahimna Stotra says: "O three eyed Lord, when the poison came up through the churning of the Ocean by the gods and demons, they were all aghast with fear as if the untimely end of all creation was imminent. In your kindness, you drank all the poison that still makes your throat blue. O Lord, even this blue mark does but increase your glory. What is apparently a blemish becomes an ornament in one intent on ridding the world of fear."
This is a very special night. Happy Shivratri to everyone.
They say that what ever you pray for this night comes true.
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1 comment:
Hello Friends, as we say that we are proud to be an India so in the same way we shoul also encourage Hinduism and say "Proud to be a Hindu" Well I have wriiten an article on Maha Shivratri Puja, hope you will go through it and according comment on it. thanks :)
Regards,
Varun
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