Maha Shivratri
The great night of Lord Shiva, marking his cosmic dance and union with Parvati.
तिथी व समय: Chaturdashi (fourteenth day) of the Krishna Paksha in the Hindu month of Phalguna/Magha, usually in February or March.
महत्व एवं कथा (Significance)
Maha Shivratri ("the great night of Shiva") is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is associated both with the night Shiva performed the Tandava, his cosmic dance of creation, preservation, and destruction, and with his marriage to Goddess Parvati.
Devotees observe an all-night vigil, keeping awake in prayer, believing this is the night Shiva is most easily pleased by sincere devotion — regardless of the form or manner of worship.
पूजा विधि व परंपराएँ (Rituals & Customs)
- Fasting through the day and night
- An all-night vigil (jagran) of prayer and bhajans
- Offering bael leaves, milk, water, and honey to the Shiva Lingam, often at every prahar (watch) of the night
- Chanting the Mahamrityunjaya Mantra and 'Om Namah Shivaya'