What is the meaning of Maha Shivaratri?

the great night of Shiva
Maha Shivaratri literally translates as “the great night of Shiva”. According to legend, it is on this night that Lord Shiva performs his heavenly dance known as the “tandav” – a dance of creation, preservation and destruction.

What is the real story of Maha Shivratri?

According to Puranas several stories and legends describe the origin of the Shivratri festival. One story says, during Samudra Manthan, a pot emerged from the ocean which consists of poison. All the Gods and demons were terrified that this will destroy the entire world and so, Gods ran to Lord Shiva for help.

Why do we celebrate Maha Shivratri?

Maha Shivratri is predominantly a Hindu festival, celebrated annually in honour of Lord Shiva, the God of destruction. Shivratri is celebrated in every month of the luni-solar calendar, in accordance with the Hindu calendar but once a year, in late winter Maha Shivratri is celebrated to commemorate the oncoming summer.

Is Shivaratri Shiva’s birthday?

According to Indian Mythology, in the midnight of Maha Shivaratri, Lord Shiva appeared in form of Linga. Hence, Maha Shivaratri is known as the birthday of Lord Shiva. The Chaturdashi Tithi during Krishna Paksha in the month of Magha is known as Maha Shivaratri according to the South Indian calendar.

What do you do on Maha Shivaratri?

What you must do on Maha Shivratri

1. If possible, observe a vigil on Shivratri.
2. Listen to stories of Lord Shiva, sing songs, chant mantras and meditate.
3. Visit Shiva temples.
4. If possible, you can also perform prayers and pujas at home.

What is special today for Lord Shiva?

Maha Shivratri is an auspicious Hindu festival and is considered to be the most important and celebrated Shivratri among the 12 others celebrated in a year. Devotees celebrate the grace of Lord Shiva on this day. Maha Shivratri will be celebrated on Thursday, March 11 this year.

Which day belongs to which God?

Monday is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Tuesday is dedicated to Lord Ganesha, Durga, Goddess Kali and Lord Hanuman. Wednesday is dedicated to planet Mercury and Lord Vithal, an incarnation of Krishna. Thursday is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and his incarnations.

What should we do on Maha Shivaratri?

What you must do on Maha Shivratri

• If possible, observe a vigil on Shivratri.
• Listen to stories of Lord Shiva, sing songs, chant mantras and meditate.
• Visit Shiva temples.
• If possible, you can also perform prayers and pujas at home.

Which Colour should wear on Shivratri?

On this day, devotees take early bath, wear the auspicious green coloured clothes and visit the nearest Shiv temple to offer prayers to the Shiva Linga. If you can’t wear on green, you also have the option to wear red, white, yellow, orange on this day.

Is Shivratri good for marriage?

Maha Shivratri is considered auspicious and is considered important for the following reasons : Liberation from the past sins or bad karmas. Attainment of moksha-liberation from the cycle of birth and death. Married women attain marital bliss and prosperous family life.

What is Shiva’s sacred birthplace?

Varanasi, the great and holy city that lies within a silver loop of the mighty river, was brought into being by the intensity of Shiva’s perpetual meditation. Varanasi is the city Shiva promised never to desert. Nineveh and Babylon are no older. Varanasi has been a center of Hindu piety and commerce for 3,000 years.

How do you pray Maha Shivaratri?

Maha Shivratri Puja Vidhi

1. Dhyana – Connect your inner self with the deity.
2. Asana – Respectfully place Lord Shiva’s idol or the Shiva Linga on a chowki (a wooden platform) covered with a piece of unused white cloth.
3. Padya – Sprinkle some water on the Lord’s feet.
4. Arghya – Offer water to the Lord.