Mahashivratri: Know History, Importance, Significance & Why It Is Celebrated?

Maha Shivratri is one of the most auspicious festivals celebrated by Hindus. The fourteenth day of every lunar month or the day before the new moon is known as Shivratri.

Among all the twelve Shivratris that occur in a calendar year, Mahashivratri, the one that occurs in February-March is of the most spiritual significance.

On this night, the northern hemisphere of the planet is positioned in such a way that there is a natural upsurge of energy in a human being.

This is a day when nature is pushing one towards one’s spiritual peak. It is to make use of this, that in this tradition, we established a certain festival which is nightlong.

To allow this natural upsurge of energies to find its way, one of the fundamentals of this nightlong festival is to ensure that you remain awake with your spine vertical throughout the night.

Every year, the festival is held to honour Lord Shiva. Maha Shivratri is a literal representation of Lord Shiva’s great night.

History of Maha Shivratri

There are said to be many beliefs about why Maha Shivratri is celebrated. It is famously believed that on the day of Maha Shivratri, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati got married. And so, every year, this festival is celebrated to mark their holy union.

Some other people believe that Maha Shivratri is observed to remember the day when Lord Shiva drank the poison that got churned out from the ocean. By doing this, he protected the world from evil spirits, negativity, darkness and dismay.

Significance and celebrations

During Mahashivratri, devotees keep a fast. They refrain from the consumption of food and water for a particular time as it is also considered healthy for the body and the mind. As per popular belief, praying to Lord Shiva after keeping fast makes the lord happy.

The offerings given to Lord Shiva during the pooja include milk, honey, fruits and bel leaves… Devotees start the day with a bath in the river Ganges and then visit the temple. Then they keep fast for the day and offer their prayers to the lord. It is believed that chanting Om Namah Shivaya brings blessings and fulfilment of wishes and desires by the lord.

Importance of Mahashivratri

Mahashivratri is very significant for people who are on the spiritual path. It is also very significant for people who are in family situations, and also for the ambitious in the world. People who live in family situations observe Mahashivratri as Shiva’s wedding anniversary. Those with worldly ambitions see that day as the day Shiva conquered all his enemies.