Maha Shivaratri : A Sacred Night of Devotion, Divine Union, and Spiritual Awakening

Lucknow (Desk) : Millions of people in India and around the world are celebrating Maha Shivaratri, an important Hindu festival. This festival involves staying awake all night for prayers, fasting, and spiritual reflection to honour Lord Shiva. It occurs every year on the 14th night of the dark moon in the month of Phalguna. During this festival, temples, ghats, and homes become centres of devotion.

Why Maha Shivaratri Is Observed-

Maha Shivaratri is an important night in Hindu tradition. It celebrates the moment when Lord Shiva appeared as a huge pillar of light called the Jyotirlinga, representing the endless universe. This night is also believed to be when Shiva danced the cosmic Tandava, which symbolises creation, preservation, and destruction. People think this night is great for meditation because the positions of the planets and the moon help create calmness and greater awareness.

The Twelve Jyotirlingas-

India has twelve important Jyotirlingas, where people worship Shiva as a symbol of limitless light. These sacred places include Somnath in Gujarat, Mallikarjuna in Andhra Pradesh, Mahakaleshwar in Ujjain, Omkareshwar in Madhya Pradesh, Kedarnath in Uttarakhand, Bhimashankar in Maharashtra, Kashi Vishwanath in Uttar Pradesh, Trimbakeshwar in Maharashtra, Vaidyanath in Jharkhand, Nageshwar in Gujarat, Rameshwaram in Tamil Nadu, and Grishneshwar in Maharashtra.

On Shivaratri, special rituals and abhishekams take place at all these sites, attracting many pilgrims.

Kashi Vishwanath at the Heart of Shivaratri-

Among the twelve, the Kashi Vishwanath Temple holds a unique spiritual significance. Located on the banks of the Ganga, the temple is believed to be the place where liberation from the cycle of birth and death is attainable. On Maha Shivaratri, the temple remains the focal point of grand celebrations, with devotees lining up through the night to offer prayers. The city of Varanasi witnesses uninterrupted chanting of Har Har Mahadev, elaborate aartis, and a surge of spiritual tourism.

The Divine Wedding of Shiva and Parvati-

Maha Shivaratri celebrates the sacred marriage of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. According to ancient texts, Parvati performed intense tapasya to earn Shiva's love. showing her dedication, patience, and spiritual growth. Their union represents the balance between awareness and energy, giving up personal desires and having a family life. In many areas, temples reenact this divine wedding, adding a festive touch to the otherwise serious observance.

Shivaratri Vrat and Pooja Vidhi-

Devotees observe fasting (vart) and conduct night-long worship

Get ready by waking up early. Take a bath, put on clean clothes, and decide to keep your body, speech, and mind pure.

Abhishekam: The Shivling is washed with water, milk, curd, honey, ghee, and sugar. Each of these represents purification and nourishment.

Offerings: Bilva leaves (bel patra), white flowers, incense, arti, fruits, and prasad.

Mantras: Chanting Om Namah Shivaya or reciting the Rudrashtakam or Maha Mrityunjay mantra through the night.

Fasting: From fruits and milk to nirjala (waterless) fasts, observed according to capacity and health.

Devotees stay awake through the night. During this time, you can sing bhajans, meditate, or listen to Shiva katha. This practice shows the importance of being alert instead of being inactive.

A Night of Collective Faith-

Maha Shivaratri is a special festival focused on quiet reflection and inner devotion. As dawn breaks after a night of prayers and fasting, devotees feel spiritually refreshed. This festival highlights the importance of self-discipline and awareness in spiritual life.

As India celebrates, Maha Shivaratri unites people in tradition and faith under the watchful presence of Lord Shiva.

By- Sidhhaseveta Ojha