Hindu Festival Maha Shivaratri
Hindu devotees pour milk over Shivling (a symbol of Lord Shiva) inside a temple during the Maha Shivratri festival in the northern Indian city of AllahabadReuters

The Hindus across the globe celebrate Maha Shivaratri with fervour on the 13th night or the 14th day of the month of Phalguna or Maagh in the Hindu calendar every year. This year, it falls on Tuesday, February 13.

The festival is celebrated by the Hindus to overcome darkness and ignorance. As part of the celebration, people fast, visit Shiva temples, chant Vedic hymns and the scriptures of the God. Taking a holy dip in rivers at pilgrim destinations is a common sight in North India.

There are many tales associated with Maha Shivaratri. As per a legend, the formless God appeared in the form of 'Lingodbhava Murthi' at midnight on Maha Shivratri.

Another tale from the 'puranas' says that Lord Shiva saved the world from destruction on this day. A liquid poison emerged during Samudra Manthan (churning of cosmic ocean), which would destroy both the Gods and Demons, while also having a devastating effect on the universe.

Shiva decided to consume the deadly poison to save the world. However, the Lord did not swallow it and held the poison in his throat. As a result, his throat turned blue and earned him the name, 'Neela Kanth.'

It is also believed that that Lord Shiva married Goddess Parvati on Maha Shivaratri. The day is considered auspicious for women. They fast and pray to the Lord to get blessed with blissful married life, while unmarried women would pray for an ideal husband like Shiva.

In observance of the Maha Shivratri 2018, we have rounded up the following quotes, sayings, messages and wishes to be sent as greetings, SMS or WhatsApp messages for the day.

Quotes, Sayings, Messages, and Wishes in English

  • May the glory Of Shiva Shankar uplift your soul and banish all your troubles. Happy Maha Shivratri.
  • May the glory of the divine Shiva, remind us of our capabilities and help us attain success. Jai Shiva Shankar.
  • May Lord Shiva shower upon you all his choicest blessings on this Maha Shivratri, Jai Shiva Shankar.
  • May all the difficulties in your life be banished by Lord Shiva on the occasion of Maha Shivratri, Jai Shiva Shankar.
  • May all your wishes be granted by Lord Shiva and may you always be in his special favours. Happy Maha Shivratri.
  • May Lord Shiva shower his
    benign blessings on
    you and your family.
    May happiness and peace
    surround you with his eternal
    love and strength.
  • · Happy Shivratri to all. Bhagwan Bholenath,
    I pray to you for all the people in this world.
    Please give everyone happiness,
    peace and lots of smiles.
    This is my prayer for today.
    Om Namah Shivaaye!!
  • Mahashivratri marks the night when Lord Shiva performed the 'Tandava' and it is also believed that Lord Shiva was married to Parvati.
    Let's celebrate this auspicious day with special prayers to Lord Shiva and offer water, milk, yogurt, honey and bel leaves to have a successful life.
  • "Om Namah Shivaya"
    Let's spend the night of Shivratri by chanting the name of Lord Shiva and seek His divine blessings!
    Happy Maha Shivratri
Also Read