Dedicated to Shiva, one of most foreseen hindu festivals "Mahashivaratri" celebrates the grand wedding of the lord Shiva with goddess Parvati, who is known as Shakti. It is celebrated on the 14th day of every lunar month and this year, it falls on 11th of March.
The sacred union of Shiv and Shakti is contemplated to be the epitome of love, power and togetherness. The festival marking the initiation of their bond 'Maha Shivaratri' is celebrated with great zeal across India.
Fasting or Jagaran
On this special occasion, devotees of Lord Shiva observe a fast, fasting on Mahashivratri serves to detoxify the body and aid meditation. They stay awake and aware in a vertical posture througout the night, which is believed to be enormously beneficial for one's physical and spiritual wellbeing. The planetary positions on this night, which is also the darkest night of the year, are powerful natural upsurge of energy in the human system.
Devotees across the country are seen thronging to temples, that often witness long queues from as early as the break of the dawn and chants of 'Om Namah Shivaya', where 'Om', refers to the sound of the universe which means peace and love. The five letters 'Na', 'Ma', 'Shi', 'Va', 'Ya' indicate the five elements- Earth, Water, Fire, Air and Ether. Chanting 'Om Namah Shivaya' harmonizes the five elements of the universe. When there is peace, love and harmony in all five elements, then there is bliss and joy.
The 'Shivling', an iconic representation of Shiva is worshipped by the devotees. Special prayers are offered in all Shiva temples throughout the holy night. Devotees offer 'Rudra-Abhishek' or special ordination to the Shivling where they bathe the Shivling with different substances such as water, curd, sugarcane syrup, milk, honey and other things with each of them having a specific significance. Other important offerings that are mandatorily used for the 'Abhishek' are Datura flower and fruits.
Mythology
There are various interesting mythological stories that are being shared as to why Maha Shivratri is celebrated. One such story is that the formless God appeared in the form of 'Lingodbhav Moorti' at midnight on Maha Shivratri and is said to be the reason why devotees stay awake in the night and offer prayers to the Lord. The festival is celebrated by the Hindus to overcome darkness and ignorance.
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.'
Quotes, Sayings for Mahashivratri
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
