What is Maha Shivaratri?

Maha Shivaratri is one of the biggest annual celebrations in the Hindu calendar and is celebrated to honor Lord Shiva. Mahashivratri is the day that is also marked as a day of the marriage of shiva. Shivaratri is held every month in the Hindu calendar, but the MahaSivaratri or ‘ the great night of shiva’ occurs only once each year towards the end of winter, in either February or March. This year it is on 21st February 2020.

Why it is celebrated?

The reason for celebrating Mahashivratri can vary slightly depending on the region, as there are different mythological stories related to why the day is celebrated.

Let’s have a look at few of them:

• It is believed that Shiva saved the world from the pot of poison that emerged from the ocean during Samudra Manthan. Lord Shiva drank the poison saving both the god and mankind and stored it in his throat–which made his throat turn blue (that is why he is also known as Neelkanth).
• Another one is when a hunter could not find anything to kill for his food in the forest, he waited on the branch of a wood apple tree to be safe from wild animals. To keep himself awake, he started throwing the leaves of the tree on the ground, unaware that there was a Shiva Lingam below the tree. Pleased with the patience of the hunter, it is believed that Lord Shiva appeared in front of the hunter and blessed him with wisdom.
• It is also believed that Lord Shiva married Parvati on this day. Temples are decorated with flowers and in the evening, devotees take out a procession of  ‘Shivabaraat’.

How It is celebrated

Mahashivratri is celebrated in different forms in various parts of India. Mahashivratri is the day to honor and celebrate Lord Shiva. Worshippers fast, pray, meditate and sing hymns to Lord Shiva. Hindu temples are decorated with flowers and lights.  People offer Woodapple Tree leaves with cold water and milk to Lord Shiva as they are believed to be his favorite.

Ujjain is known as the residence of Lord Shiva, most popular MahaShivratri celebrations happen in Ujjain.  Idol of Shiv would carry out throughout the city, with people thronging the streets to catch a glimpse of the revered idol of Lord Shiva.