Lord Shiva, also known as Mahadeva, is one of the
three Gods of Hindu Trinity. His abode is believed to be at Mt Kailash
in the Himalayas. Shiva Ratri is said to be the night when Lord Shiva
first appeared by His own Divine Grace. The words literally mean 'the
night consecrated to Shiva' and falls on the fourteenth day of the
waning moon in the month of Phalgun (according to the Hindu calendar).
Maha Shiva Rathri is celebrated throughout India with much zeal and
vigor. The devotees of Lord Shiva take a dip in the nearby river at dawn
and go to the temples of Lord Shiva to offer their prayers along with
Bilva leaves. They observe fast throughout the day. Often, devotees can
be seen indulging themselves with intoxicating substances such as
'afeem' (marijuana) and 'bhang' (opium). It is said to be an indication
of the wild lifestyle of Lord Shiva. It is even offered as 'prasad' at
some holy places.
According to Puranas, worshipping Lord Shiva on Maha Shivaratri cleanse
one of all his or her sins. Even Viashnavas, the devotees of Lord Vishnu
and Lord Krishna, pray to Lord Shiva for his mercy on this day as they
believe that He is the biggest devotee of the Lord and thus, can bless
them with special devotion and access to the Lord. Gaudiya vaishnavas in
Vrindavana visit the temple of Gopesvara Mahadeva and offer flower
garlands and water from the Ganges to the Holy Linga there. It is
believed that Lord Siva Himself appears in his idols and deities on this
night. Many people keep awake all night and sing 'bhajans' and prayers
in the praise of Lord Shiva. According to modern science, Maha Shiva
Rathri marks transition from winter to spring.
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Festivals of India |
