Significance of Celebrating Mahasivratri Festival in India

Why we celebrate Mahashivratri?

Mahashivratri gives us an unique opportunity to make use of the forces of nature for our wellbeing. Mahashivratri is a Hindu festival celebrated in India very enthusiastically. Doing this puja brings peace, harmony and happiness in one’s life

Lord Shiva is also known as Mahadev. He is known for his extremely generous nature, as he easily bestows his blessings on his true devotees. Mahashivratri is one of the largest and most significant among the sacred festivals in India. This darkest night of the year- celebrates the grace of Shiva, who is considered the Adi Guru or the first Guru, from whom the yogic tradition originated. Planetary positions on this night are such that there is a powerful natural upswing of energy in the human system. It is enormously beneficial for one’s physical and spiritual wellbeing to stay awake and aware in a vertical position throughout the night.

Significance of Mahashivratri

Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati got married on the day of Mahashivratri and due to the power of Maha Parvati Lord Mahadeva was transformed from a ‘Nirgun Brahman’ to a ‘Sagun Brahman’”.

It is believed that Mata Parvati followed strict penance for Mahadeva.

On this night Lord Mahadeva performed the Tandava, the dance of primordial creation, preservation and destruction.

Rituals on Maha Shivratri

Puja ceremonies can primarily involve traditional shivalingam worship. Shivlingam is given a special bath with milk, yogurt, honey, sandalwood paste and rose water. Puja, meditation and chanting of ‘Om Namah Shivaya’ accompany the ritual bath.