Maha Sivarathiri ! In Lord Siva`s celebrations Maha Sivaratiri is the most important one. This normally falls in the months of February or March in each year.
The general form of prayer on this day is to keep vigil all night and say prayers to Lord Siva all night.
Maha Shivratri, the grand night of Shiva falls on 10th
of March this year. It falls on a moonless February night, and Hindus
offer special prayer to the mightly Lord of Moksha. Shivratri is the
night when Shiva is said to have performed the Tandava Nach or the
dance of primordial creation, preservation and destruction.
The 3 reasons to celebrate this festival are:
1. Sadashiv, The absolute formless God, appeared in the form of "Lingodbhav Moorti" at midnight on Maha Shivratri. That is why devotees do "Rudra Abhishekham at midnight.
2. Lord Shiva married His consort Parvati on Shivratri. From 'Nirgun Brahman' he became "Sagun Brahman" due to Maya power of Parvati, for the purpose of elevation of His devotees.
3. On the day of Shivratri, He became 'Neelkantha' , the blue-throated one by swallowing the deadly Hala Hala poison that came up during the churning of "Kshir Sagar" or the milky ocean. This poison thus held in His neck, saved the world from annihilation.
The 3 reasons to celebrate this festival are:
1. Sadashiv, The absolute formless God, appeared in the form of "Lingodbhav Moorti" at midnight on Maha Shivratri. That is why devotees do "Rudra Abhishekham at midnight.
2. Lord Shiva married His consort Parvati on Shivratri. From 'Nirgun Brahman' he became "Sagun Brahman" due to Maya power of Parvati, for the purpose of elevation of His devotees.
3. On the day of Shivratri, He became 'Neelkantha' , the blue-throated one by swallowing the deadly Hala Hala poison that came up during the churning of "Kshir Sagar" or the milky ocean. This poison thus held in His neck, saved the world from annihilation.
As per Shiva Purana, Shiva worship must incorporate the below:
Bathing
the Shiv Linga with water, milk and honey, and Wood apple or bel leaves
added to it, representing purification of the soul;
The vermilion paste applied on the Shiv Linga after bathing it, representing virtue;
Offering of fruits, which is conducive to longevity and gratification of desires;
Burning incense, yielding wealth;
The lighting of the lamp which is conducive to the attainment of knowledge:
And betel leaves marking satisfaction with worldly pleasures.
Bathing
the Shiv Linga with water, milk and honey, and Wood apple or bel leaves
added to it, representing purification of the soul; The vermilion paste applied on the Shiv Linga after bathing it, representing virtue; Offering of fruits, which is conducive to longevity and gratification of desires; Burning incense, yielding wealth; The lighting of the lamp which is conducive to the attainment of knowledge: And betel leaves marking satisfaction with worldly pleasures.
Festival
of Mahashivaratri is the most important festival for the millions of
devotees of Lord Shiva. The festival has been accorded lot of
significance in Hindu mythology. It says that a devotee who performs
sincere worship of Lord Shiva on the auspicious day of Shivratri is
absolved of sins and attains moksha.
Festival of Mahashivaratri has tremendous significance in Hinduism.
According to sacred scriptures, ritual worship of Lord Shiva on
Shivratri festival that falls on the 14th day of the dark fortnight in
the month of Phalgun pleases Lord Shiva the most. This fact is said to
have been declared by Lord Shiva himself, when his consort Parvati asked
him as to which ritual performed by his devotees pleases him the most.
Even till date, devotees of Lord Shiva perform the ritual worship of Shivratri with care and devotion. They observe day and nigh fast and give sacred bath to Shiva Linga with honey, milk, water etc. Hindus consider it extremely auspicious to worship Lord Shiva on a Shivaratri as it is believed that worship of Lord Shiva with devotion and sincerity absolves a devotee of past sins. The devotee reaches the abode of Lord Shanker and lives there happily. He is also liberated from the cycle of birth and death and attains moksha or salvation.
Even till date, devotees of Lord Shiva perform the ritual worship of Shivratri with care and devotion. They observe day and nigh fast and give sacred bath to Shiva Linga with honey, milk, water etc. Hindus consider it extremely auspicious to worship Lord Shiva on a Shivaratri as it is believed that worship of Lord Shiva with devotion and sincerity absolves a devotee of past sins. The devotee reaches the abode of Lord Shanker and lives there happily. He is also liberated from the cycle of birth and death and attains moksha or salvation.
OHM NAMASIVAYA
COMPOSED BY : Sakthi Sakthithasan
Sources : various web sites (Thanks may lord Siva shower his kindness)
