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Mahashivratri, the ‘great night of Lord Shiva,’ is a Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Shiva and his powers. It is observed on the 13th and 14th day of the Krishna Paksha of the Phalguna month. Devotees fast on this day to seek Lord Shiva’s blessings and eliminate their past sins.
The meaning of Mahashivratri is simple: it is a night to honour Lord Shiva, the god of destruction. Lord Shiva frees us from vices like lust, anger, greed, attachment, and envy and provides us with ultimate peace and prosperity.
Thus, devotees observe this day to get Lord Shiva’s blessings, remove the past life karmas and negativities of their past lives and invite positive changes. The importance of Mahashivratri also lies in the time of inner growth, purification, transformation and renewal.
The reason why Mahashivratri is celebrated lies in its mythological stories. Each story behind Shivaratri has several legends linked to it, and each is greater than the other. Here are the different versions of the Lord Shiva Maha Shivaratri story:
Lord Shiva drank Halalal(poison) to save the Universe, and the poison turned his throat blue. This gave him the name 'Neelkanth. The episode of Samudra Manthan reminds people of Shankar Ji's selflessness and love and the win of good over evil.
Another mythological story claims that Lord Shiva Maha Shivratri was the day when Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati got married. It signifies the day of the union of Shiva with Shakti.
According to another legend, Lord Shiva killed the mighty demon Tripurasura on this day with his weapon, Pashupatastra. This is why Lord Shiva is also known as ‘Tripurantaka’. The killing of Tripurasura signifies the victory of good over evil.
As per Shiva Mahapurana, devotees who observe fast on Mahashivratri and worship Bholenath with full sincerity get his eternal blessings and favour. Follow the Maha Shivratri rituals or puja vidhi step by step to be one such devotee:
Lord Shiva does not ask for grand gestures. Just sincerity, devotion and purity could make him happy. With His grace, one can easily destroy obstacles, achieve success, and lead a happy life. Follow the powerful Lord Shiva Maha Shivratri remedies below and get whatever you want.
Bathe the Shivaling or idol of Lord Shiva with honey and ghee to welcome abundance and increase wealth and success. Students can offer milk with mishri and water for good academics.
Light a ghee lamp with four wicks (batti) and offer Lord Shiva water, rice and mishri for good health and vitality. Also, chant the powerful Mahashivratri Mantra, “Om Namah Shivaya’’ 21 times while performing this remedy.
Unmarried girls must offer five coconuts on Shivling while chanting, ‘Om Shree Var Praday Shree Namah’ for an early marriage. Married couples can offer red-coloured Suhaag items to Goddess Parvati.
Write ‘Om Namah Shivaya’ with sandalwood (chandan) on Lord Shiva’s favourite bel patra leaves. Then, offer him the 21 bel patra leaves one by one while manifesting your wish. If performed with devotion and faith, Lord Shiva will bless you with your desired wish.
While fasting for Mahashivratri, one must follow certain rules. Below are the fasting rules devotees must adhere to on Mahashivratri:
Read About Other Important Festivals