Significance Of Maha Shivaratri

Maha Shivaratri, or the night of Lord Shiva, is a popular Hindu festival. It is celebrated every year on the 13th night or the 14th day of the Phalgun month according to the Hindu calendar.

On this festival, the devotees stay up all night, chanting hymns in praise of Lord Shiva. Many people observe fast throughout the day and night. Only after offering water and bilva leaves to the Shiva linga do they break their fast.

ALSO SEE: Holy Lord Shiva Symbols

The festival of Shivaratri has a special significance for women. Unmarried women pray to Lord Shiva with the desire to have a husband like Him. Married women pray for the well being of their husband and family.

Shivaratri has a lot of legends associated with it. Many different mythological stories are told about the origin and the significance of Shivaratri. To find out more about Shivaratri significance, let us take a look at these legends:

The Samudra Manthan Legend

The Samudra Manthan Legend

The most popular legend among all is the story of Neelkantha. It is believed that Mahashivaratri is significant because on this day Lord Shiva consumed the poison which emerged during the churning of the ocean. The deadly poison accumulated in His throat and he came to be known as Neelkantha or the blue-throated God.

Lord Shiva's Favourite Day

Lord Shiva's Favourite Day

It is also believed that the 14th day of Phalgun month is the favourite day of Lord Shiva and hence the festival is celebrated on this day.

Marriage Of Shiva & Parvati

Marriage Of Shiva & Parvati

According to the Puranas, Maha Shivaratri is the day when Lord Shiva married Goddess Parvati and became a householder.

Significance For Women

Significance For Women

It is believed that Lord Shiva is very easily pleased especially when the women pray to Him. His worship does not require any special items either. Only with a little water and Bilva leaf, a devotee can please the Lord. This is the reason why Maha Shivaratri has a special significance for women. It is believed that an unmarried woman is blessed with a husband like Shiva if she observes a fast on Shivaratri.

Shivaratri Significance

Shivaratri Significance

It is believed that on Maha Shivaratri, the Divine Lord comes into close proximity to humankind. At midnight, the Divine and positive vibrations are more close to the human heart and hence people stay awake through the night on Shivaratri.

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