Maha Shivrathri
Meditating Shiva
Shiva Lingam
Maha Shivaratri is celebrated throughout India; it is particularly
popular in Uttar Pradesh. Maha Shivratri falls on the I3th (or I4th)
day of the dark half of 'Phalgun' (February-March). The name
means "the night of Shiva". The ceremonies take place chiefly at
night. This is a festival observed in honour of Lord Shiva and
many of the devotees fast the whole day and remain awake the
whole night.
It is believed that there are 3 reasons to celebrate Shivarathri.
1. The absolute formless God, Sadashiv appeared in the form of
"Lingodbhav Moorti" (LINGUM) exactly at midnight on Maha
Shivratri. That is why all Shiv devotees keep vigil during the night
of Shivratri and do "Shivlingam abhishekham” at midnight.
2. Lord Shiva was married to Devi Parvati on Shivratri.
3. It is also believed that on Shivratri, Lord Shiva became
Neelakanth by swallowing the deadly poison that came up from
the ocean during the churning of "Kshir Sagar". The poison was
so deadly that even a drop in His stomach, which represents the
universe, would have annihilated the entire world. Hence, He
held it in His neck, which turned blue due to the effect of poison.
Shivratri is therefore also a day of thanksgiving to the Lord for
protecting us from annihilation
About The Lord
Shiva - the word meaning auspicious - is one of the Hindu Trinity,
comprising of Lord Brahma, the creator, Lord Vishnu, the
preserver and Lord Shiva or Mahesh, the Destroyer and Re-
Producer of life. Shiva is known by many names like "Shankar",
"Mahesh", "Bholenath", "Neelakanth", "Shambhu Kailasheshwar",
"Umanath", "Nataraj" and others.
For few people, Shiva is "Paramatman", "Brahman", the
Absolute, but many more prefer to see Shiva as a personal God
given to compassion for his worshippers, and the dispenser of
both spiritual and material blessings. Related to the Absolute
concept is Shiva as "Yoganath" meaning the Lord of Yoga,
wherein he becomes teacher, path and goal. As such he is the
"Adi Guru" or the Highest Guru of 'Sannyasins' who have
renounced the world to attain the Absolute.
He is the most sought-after deity amongst the Hindus and they
pray to him as the god of immense large-heartedness who they
believe grants all their wishes. Around him are weaved many
interesting stories that reveal His magnanimous heart. Not only
this, but these stories and legends also enrich the Indian culture
and art.
Meditating Shiva
Shiva Lingam
Maha Shivaratri is celebrated throughout India; it is particularly
popular in Uttar Pradesh. Maha Shivratri falls on the I3th (or I4th)
day of the dark half of 'Phalgun' (February-March). The name
means "the night of Shiva". The ceremonies take place chiefly at
night. This is a festival observed in honour of Lord Shiva and
many of the devotees fast the whole day and remain awake the
whole night.
It is believed that there are 3 reasons to celebrate Shivarathri.
1. The absolute formless God, Sadashiv appeared in the form of
"Lingodbhav Moorti" (LINGUM) exactly at midnight on Maha
Shivratri. That is why all Shiv devotees keep vigil during the night
of Shivratri and do "Shivlingam abhishekham” at midnight.
2. Lord Shiva was married to Devi Parvati on Shivratri.
3. It is also believed that on Shivratri, Lord Shiva became
Neelakanth by swallowing the deadly poison that came up from
the ocean during the churning of "Kshir Sagar". The poison was
so deadly that even a drop in His stomach, which represents the
universe, would have annihilated the entire world. Hence, He
held it in His neck, which turned blue due to the effect of poison.
Shivratri is therefore also a day of thanksgiving to the Lord for
protecting us from annihilation
About The Lord
Shiva - the word meaning auspicious - is one of the Hindu Trinity,
comprising of Lord Brahma, the creator, Lord Vishnu, the
preserver and Lord Shiva or Mahesh, the Destroyer and Re-
Producer of life. Shiva is known by many names like "Shankar",
"Mahesh", "Bholenath", "Neelakanth", "Shambhu Kailasheshwar",
"Umanath", "Nataraj" and others.
For few people, Shiva is "Paramatman", "Brahman", the
Absolute, but many more prefer to see Shiva as a personal God
given to compassion for his worshippers, and the dispenser of
both spiritual and material blessings. Related to the Absolute
concept is Shiva as "Yoganath" meaning the Lord of Yoga,
wherein he becomes teacher, path and goal. As such he is the
"Adi Guru" or the Highest Guru of 'Sannyasins' who have
renounced the world to attain the Absolute.
He is the most sought-after deity amongst the Hindus and they
pray to him as the god of immense large-heartedness who they
believe grants all their wishes. Around him are weaved many
interesting stories that reveal His magnanimous heart. Not only
this, but these stories and legends also enrich the Indian culture
and art.
