Mahashivratri Festival 2014

Mahashivratri is celebrated yearly by all Shiva devotees in the month of Phalguna according to the Hindu calendar. Maha Shivaratri 2014 will be celebrated on 27^th of February.  On the day of Mahashivratri devotees observe a strict fast and make it a point to visit a Shiva temple. Bhajans and Mantras dedicated to Lord Shiva are sung and chanted with dedication on this day.

On the day of Mahashivratri Shiva temples big and small are decorated to the hilt. One can find long serpentine queue of devotees at all Shiva temples on the day of Mahashivratri. Devotees perform Shiva Abhishekam using sacred articles such as Panchagavya, Gangajal, milk, curd, honey, water and more. Flowers, fruits such as Datura and Ber, Betel nut and Bel Patra are also offered to Lord Shiva.

There are many legends which are associated with Mahashivratri such as that on this day Lord Shiva married Maa Parvati. Also on the day of Mahashivratri Lord Shiva performed Tadava. One more legend is that on the day of Mahashivratri Lord Shiva consumed the poison Halahala which emerged during the churning of oceans and also that Mahashivratri is the favorite day of Lord Shiva.

One more legend is that on the day of Mahashivratri, Maa Parvati performed strict penance for the wellbeing of Lord Shiva and hence on this day married women worship Shiva for wellbeing of their husbands and unmarried girl for an understanding life partner. According to Shiva Purana worshipping Lord Shiva with milk, yoghurt, honey, ghee, sugar and water and with utmost sincerity and dedication is blessed with all worldly pleasures and finally attains Moksha.

Rituals for Mahashivratri festival celebration 2014

Rituals for Mahashivratri

The celebration of Maha Shivratri starts on the night of Chauthas, the fourteenth day of the waxing moon and continues till the morning of Amavas (dark night). On the day of Mahashivratri, devotees observe a strict fast and make it a point to visit a Shiva Temple. In the morning devotees after taking a bath preferably a dip in Holy Ganga, head towards a Shiva temple. At the temple, after circumambulating the Shiv Lingam three or seven times, devotees bathe the Shivling with either water or with milk.

According to Shiva Purana, the Maha Shivratri rituals must compulsorily incorporate the following six items Bael Leaves, Vermilion Paste, Fruits preferably Ber (jujube fruit) or Datura, Incense, Oil Lamp and Betel Leaves. On Mahashivratri the entire night is divided into four Prahars or quarters and special prayers are offered during each quarter. At the end of each quarter Shiva Abhishekam is done with Milk, Gangajal, Yoghurt, Honey, Sandalwood Paste and Rose Water. Shiva Bhajans (Hymns in praise of Shiva)are sung throughout enhancing the festivities. Mahashivratri is also one of the best days for Spiritual meditation and Mantra Japa of Shiva Mantras like ‘Om Namah Shivaya’ using a Rudraksha Japa Mala.