Mahashivratri, meaning ‘The Great Night of Shiva,’ is one of the most significant Hindu festivals dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is observed on the 14th night of the waning moon in the Hindu month of Phalguna or Maagh. Devotees celebrate this auspicious occasion by offering prayers, fasting, meditating, and seeking Lord Shiva’s divine blessings. It is believed that worshiping Lord Shiva on this night fulfills desires, removes past sins, and grants spiritual awakening.
The Significance of Mahashivratri
Mahashivratri holds deep spiritual, mythological, and astrological significance. There are various legends associated with its celebration:
- Marriage of Shiva and Parvati: It is said that Mahashivratri marks the divine wedding of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Devotees, especially women, pray for a happy married life and marital bliss.
- The Night of Cosmic Dance: According to Hindu scriptures, Lord Shiva performs the Tandava Nritya (cosmic dance) on this night, symbolizing the cycle of creation, preservation, and destruction.
- The Legend of Neelkanth: When the gods and demons churned the ocean (Samudra Manthan), a deadly poison (Halahala) emerged. Lord Shiva consumed it to save the universe, holding it in his throat, which turned blue. This selfless act is honored on Mahashivratri.
- Attainment of Moksha: It is believed that observing fast and worshiping Lord Shiva on this night liberates the soul from the cycle of birth and death.
How Mahashivratri Fulfills Desires
Devotees believe that sincere worship on Mahashivratri helps in manifesting their wishes. Here’s how it works:
- Spiritual Growth: Meditating and chanting ‘Om Namah Shivaya’ on this night enhances inner peace and enlightenment.
- Material Success: Worshiping Shiva with devotion is believed to remove obstacles and bring prosperity.
- Good Health: Observing fast and performing abhishekam (ritual bath) to the Shivlinga with water, milk, or honey promotes physical and mental well-being.
- Marital Bliss: Women observe this fast for the well-being of their husbands and to be blessed with an ideal life partner.
Best Procedure for Mahashivratri Puja
Performing puja on Mahashivratri with the right rituals ensures maximum benefits. Here’s the step-by-step guide:
- Preparation
- Clean the house and take a bath before starting the rituals.
- Wear clean or traditional clothes (preferably white or saffron).
- Arrange puja essentials: bel leaves, fruits, milk, honey, curd, ghee, sandalwood paste, incense sticks, flowers, and a Shivlinga or Shiva idol.
- Observing Fast (Vrat)
- Devotees observe a strict or partial fast, consuming fruits, milk, and non-grain food items.
- Some devotees observe Nirjala Vrat (without food or water) to seek Lord Shiva’s blessings.
- The fast is broken after completing the night-long puja.
- Worship and Abhishekam
- Bathing the Shivlinga: Perform Abhishekam with water, milk, honey, curd, ghee, and rose water.
- Offering Bel Leaves: Place three-leafed bel patra on the Shivlinga, symbolizing purification of the soul.
- Chanting Mantras: Recite ‘Om Namah Shivaya’ and Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra for spiritual growth and protection.
- Aarti and Bhajans: Sing devotional songs and perform Aarti using camphor and ghee lamps.
- Meditation: Meditating on Shiva’s form brings peace and divine energy.
- Night-long Vigil (Jagran)
- Staying awake through the night, reciting Shiva’s names, and meditating are significant parts of Mahashivratri celebrations.
- Listening to Shiva Purana and stories of Lord Shiva enhances spiritual awareness.
Do’s and Don’ts on Mahashivratri
Do’s
- Observe Fasting with Devotion: Fasting detoxifies the body and strengthens spiritual discipline.
- Perform Abhishekam: Bathing the Shivlinga with milk, water, and honey purifies the mind and soul.
- Chant Mantras: ‘Om Namah Shivaya’ and Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra bring positivity and blessings.
- Offer Bel Leaves and Fruits: These are dear to Lord Shiva and symbolize purity.
- Engage in Meditation and Prayer: Connecting with Lord Shiva through meditation enhances spiritual consciousness.
- Attend Shiva Temples or Organize Home Puja: Visiting a temple or conducting puja at home enhances the divine connection.
Don’ts
- Avoid Non-Vegetarian Food and Alcohol: Consuming meat or intoxicants is against the sanctity of Mahashivratri.
- Do Not Consume Onion and Garlic: These are considered Tamasic foods and should be avoided during fasting.
- Avoid Speaking Ill of Others: Negative speech and thoughts dilute the spiritual benefits of this sacred night.
- Do Not Sleep at Night: Staying awake signifies devotion and helps in receiving Shiva’s blessings.
- Avoid Cutting Hair or Nails: It is considered inauspicious to trim hair or nails on this day.
- Refrain from Wasting Food: Offering food to the needy is considered a noble act on Mahashivratri.
Conclusion
Mahashivratri is not just a festival but a powerful spiritual event that helps devotees cleanse their minds, attain inner peace, and fulfill their desires. Worshiping Lord Shiva with pure devotion on this auspicious night brings immense blessings, removes negative karma, and leads to ultimate liberation (Moksha). By observing fast, performing Abhishekam, chanting Shiva mantras, and following the prescribed do’s and don’ts, one can experience divine bliss and the grace of Lord Shiva.
May Lord Shiva bless you with happiness, prosperity, and spiritual growth this Mahashivratri!
