Shivratri: Auspicious Union of Shiva and Shakti

Mahashivratri, also known as the Great Night of Lord Shiva, is one of the most significant Hindu festivals celebrated annually with immense fervor and devotion. Observed on the 14th day of the dark fortnight in the month of Phalguna or Maagh (February or March), Mahashivratri holds deep spiritual significance and is dedicated to the worship of Lord Shiva, the supreme deity in Hinduism.

Legend and Mythology: Mahashivratri is associated with several mythological legends that highlight the divine attributes and significance of Lord Shiva. According to one popular legend, it is believed that on this auspicious night, Lord Shiva performed the cosmic dance of creation, preservation, and destruction known as Tandava. Another legend narrates the story of the marriage of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, symbolizing the union of divine masculine and feminine energies.

Observance and Rituals: Mahashivratri is observed with various rituals and customs, beginning with fasting and prayers dedicated to Lord Shiva. Devotees visit Shiva temples, offer prayers, perform abhishekam (ritual bathing of the Shiva Lingam), and chant sacred mantras throughout the night. The entire day is spent in devotion, meditation, and contemplation of the divine attributes of Lord Shiva. Many devotees also observe jagrans (vigils) and participate in bhajans (devotional songs) to express their reverence and love for Lord Shiva.

Spiritual Significance: Mahashivratri holds immense spiritual significance for devotees seeking divine blessings, spiritual upliftment, and liberation from worldly attachments. It is believed that observing fast and sincere worship on Mahashivratri purifies the mind, body, and soul, and bestows immense spiritual merit. The festival serves as a reminder of the eternal presence and benevolence of Lord Shiva, who represents the destroyer of ignorance and the bestower of enlightenment.

Cultural Celebrations: In addition to its religious significance, Mahashivratri is celebrated as a cultural extravaganza in many parts of India. Colorful processions, cultural performances, and traditional fairs are organized, depicting the rich heritage and mythology associated with Lord Shiva. People exchange greetings, sweets, and gifts with friends and family, spreading joy and happiness on this auspicious occasion.

Mahashivratri is not just a festival; it is a spiritual journey that connects devotees with the divine essence of Lord Shiva. As millions of devotees across the globe come together to celebrate this sacred night, Mahashivratri serves as a reminder of the eternal presence of Lord Shiva in the hearts and souls of his devotees, guiding them towards spiritual awakening, inner peace, and divine grace.

Maha Shivratri Observance

• the day and night long fasting

• worshipping Shiva Lingam

• Abhishekam i.e. bathing the Shiva Lingam with water, milk and honey

• offering Bel Patra i.e. wood-apple leaves to Shiva Lingam

• offering white flowers to Shiva Lingam

• night long vigil while chanting Shiva Mantra and Stotram

Dishes

• Bhang and Thandai

• Sweets

Public Life: In most North Indian states one day holiday is observed on the day of Maha Shivaratri. In other states, most of the government offices and public places work as usual. One can expect serpentine queue of devotees at most Shiva temples on the day of Maha Shivaratri. Devotees waiting in the queue for their turn to offer Abhishekam is the common sight irrespective of size of the temple and city.

In the evening most Shiva temples offer especial Darshan of Shiva Lingam and thousands of devotees throng to Shiva temples to seek blessings of Lord Shiva.

Mantra:

• त्र्यम्बकं यजामहे सुगन्धिं पुष्टिवर्धनम्।
  उर्वारुकमिव बन्धनान मृत्योर्मुक्षीय मामृतात्॥

• ॐ नमो भगवते रुद्राय नमः 

• ॐ नमः शिवाय

• ओम तत्पुरुषाय विद्महे, महादेवाय धीमहि, तन्नो रुद्र: प्रचोदयात्

• कर्पूर गौरं करुणावतारं, संसार सारं भुजगेंद्र हरं, सदा वसंतं हृदयारविंदे, भवं भवानी सहितं नमामि।

• ऊँ महादेवाय नम:

Temples

• India:

  • Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Varanasi

  • Somnath Temple, Gujarat

  • Mahakaleshwar Temple, Ujjain

  • Kedarnath Temple, Uttarakhand

  • Brihadeeswarar Temple, Tamil Nadu

• Abroad:

  • Pashupatinath Temple, Kathmandu, Nepal

  • Mukti Gupteshwar Temple, Minto, Australia

  • Shiva-Vishnu Temple, Melbourne, Australia

  • Sri Siva Durga Temple, Singapore

  • Shiva Mandir, London, UK

    12 Jyotirlinga temples, as mentioned in the Shiva Purana, are considered to be the most sacred places of worship for Shaivites in India. These temples are dedicated to Lord Shiva and are believed to be the sites where his divine light manifested. The 12 Jyotirlinga temples are located in different parts of India as mentioned in the Shiva Purana are

    • 1. Somnath, Prabhas Patan, Veraval, Gujarat

      2. Mallikarjuna Swamy, Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh

      3. Mahakaleshwar, Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh

      4. Omkareshwar, Khandwa district, near Indore, Madhya Pradesh

      5. Kedarnath, Uttarakhand

      6. Bhimashankar, Pune, Maharashtra

      7. Kashi Vishwanath, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh

      8. Trimbakeshwar Shiva Temple, Trimbak, near Nashik, Maharashtra

      9. Baidyanath, Dham Deoghar, Jharkhand

      10. Nageshwar, Dwarka, Gujarat

      11. Ramanathaswamy, Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu

      12. Grishneshwar, Ellora, Maharashtra

      Pancha Bootha Sthalas / Five Elemental Manifestations:

      In South India, there are five temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, which are collectively known as the Pancha Bootha Sthalas, or the Five Elemental Manifestations. These temples are believed to be particularly significant as they represent Lord Shiva’s manifestation in the five fundamental elements of nature, namely earth, water, fire, air, and space. Each of these temples is associated with one of the five elements, and they are located in different parts of South India. The five temples are

      1. Jambukeshwara Swamy           Water      Thiruvanaikavalu, TN   

      2. Arunachaleswara Swamy         Fire  Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu

      3. Kalahastheeswara Swamy       Air    Srikalahasti, AP

      4. Ekambareswara Swamy            Earth    Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu

      5. Nataraja                                    Sky   Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu

      Pancharama Temples:

      The Pancharama Kshetras or Pancharamas are a group of five ancient Shiva temples situated in the state of Andhra Pradesh. These temples are home to Sivalingas made from a single large Sivalinga, which according to legend, once belonged to the demon king Tarakasura. Due to the immense power of this Sivalinga, Tarakasura was unbeatable. However, Lord Subramanya Swamy managed to break the Sivalinga into five pieces and defeat Tarakasura. These five pieces of the Sivalinga then fell in different places in Andhra Pradesh, where the Pancharama Kshetras were later established. They are

    • Amararama- Amaralingeswara Swamy

    • Draksharama - Bhimesvara Swamy

    • Somarama - Someswara Swamy

    • Ksheerarama - Ksheera Ramalingeswara Swamy

    • Bhimarama - Kumara Bhimeswara Swamy