Maha Shivaratri: Know The Significance Of Love

Maha Shivratri

As the Ascetic Yogi, Lord Shiva was never interested in worldly pleasures and stayed away from attachments like family.

As the eternal cosmic power, Adi Shakti took birth in a human form as Sati to marry Lord Shiva and was again reborn as Parvati to reunite with him.

Ardhanarishvara — The androgynous avatar of Lord Shiva

Lord Shiva’s avatar Ardhanarishvara showcases half male as Purusha and half female as Prakriti. It represents the unity of masculine and feminine energies of the universe.

According to Shiva Purana, Lord Brahma, after completing the creation of the world as male living beings, could not further expand his creation. Therefore, everything including birds, animals, and humans remained the same in terms of numbers. Lord Shiva, pleased with Lord Brahma’s austerity, appeared in Ardhanarishvara’s avatar as a solution. Lord Shiva separated female parts from his body to create energy (Shakti) and expand living beings. Hence, Maa Parvati is rightfully considered a part of Lord Shiva as she emerged from his body.

Shiva’s Sati, who took rebirth as Maa Parvati

Adi Shakti manifested into human form as Sati and married Shiva. However, their marriage was short-lived as tragic events led Sati to renounce her physical form. This event left Shiva inconsolable, and he renounced the earthly world.

Adi Shakti once again took another human form as Parvati and married Shiva.

Hence, Maha Shivratri marks the celebration of Lord Shiva and Maa Parvati and honours their union as the greatest force in the universe.

A lesson on love

Adi Shakti’s rebirth twice to marry Lord Shiva shows the universe the importance of love and why and how it always isn’t a rosy path in love. Even the lord of the lords was caught by sorrow, lost his love, and endured hardships to reunite with his love.

The devotees consider Shivashakti the purest symbol of love and their union as the world’s most beautiful marriage. Therefore, each year, their wedding anniversary is celebrated as Maha Shivaratri.