|
Mahashivratri is a Hindu festival dedicated to
Shiva, who destroys the universe, one of the deities of the Hindu Trinity. This
festival is looked upon with greatest reverence & respect by the devotees of
Lord Shiva. According to the Hindu calendar this festival is celebrated every
year on the 14th day in the Krishna Paksha of the month of Phalgun.
Each new moon is dedicated to Shiva, but
Mahashivratri is especially important because it is the night when he danced the
‘Tandav’, his cosmic dance. It also celebrates the wedding of Shiva and Sati,
the mother divine.
In temples, Shiva linga - the phallic symbol of
Lord Shiva is worshipped. The linga is
bathed with milk, water, and honey. It is then anointed with sandalwood paste.
People offer bael leaves and fruit, milk, sandalwood and jujube fruit (bér) to
the linga. Shiva is believed to be very hot tempered, and hence things that have
a cooling effect are offered to him. People decorate the linga with flowers and
garlands and offer incense sticks and fruit.
Devotees of Shiva observe a fast(vrat) during
this day and stay up the whole night at the place of worship. Those observing
the Shivratri fast, break their fast only the next morning. Various hymns &
bhajan of Lord Shiva are chanted on this auspicious day.
The festival of Mahashivratri is observed
throughout India including the southern region. Some of the major states include
Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Bihar, Maharashtra etc.
|
