Lord Shiva Maha Shivratri

Significance of Mahashivratri

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.

Mythology and the Maha Shivaratri Story

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:

• Samudra Manthan

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.

• Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati’s Wedding

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.

• The Fall of Tripurasura

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.

Maha Shivratri Rituals/ Puja Vidhi

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:

• The Maha Shivratri rituals begin with purifying mind, body and soul. Devotees must take a bath early in the morning and wear clean clothes.
• After that set a pooja sthan (altar) for Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati and perform the Shiva Linga Abhishek.
• The Shiva Mahapurana mentions four significant ingredients used in the abhishek of Shivlinga: bel patra, milk, honey and water. While performing the abhishek, devotees must chant the Gayatri mantra or Maha Mrityunajaya Mantra.
• Once done, recite Shiva Aarti to complete the Maha Shivratri puja rituals or vidhi. Devotees can take a Sankalp to observe the fast for the whole day. It is upto their faith and devotion whether to observe a Nirjala, Phalahar or Partial Maha Shivratri vrat.
• On this auspicious day, devotees can donate essential items such as food or clothes to the needy or engage in kirtan, satsang, or bhajan ceremonies.
• The fasting for Mahashivratri wraps with devotees breaking their fast the very next before the Chaturdashi ends.

Powerful Maha Shivratri Remedies

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.

• Maha Shivratri Remedy for Wealth & Career

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.

• Maha Shivratri Remedy for Health

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.

• Maha Shivratri Remedy for Love & Marriage

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.

• Maha Shivratri Remedy for Wish Fulfilment

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.

Mahashivratri Fasting Rules

While fasting for Mahashivratri, one must follow certain rules. Below are the fasting rules devotees must adhere to on Mahashivratri:

• Devotees must refrain from consuming alcohol, non-vegetarian meals or tamsic food on the auspicious day of Maha Shivaratri. They must also abstain from smoking or the consumption of alcohol.
• One must not offer Ketaki flowers, red vermillion (sindoor), sesame seeds, broken rice, and kewda flowers to Lord Shiva on Maha Shivratri. As per mythological beliefs, all these things are prohibited while worshipping Lord Shiva.
• Devotees should remain calm and collected on the day of Lord Shiva Maha Shivratri and avoid negative emotions such as anger, greed, jealousy, and curse words.
• Avoiding sleeping during the day is also one of the important Mahashivratri fasting rules. If a devotee has observed a fast, he must not sleep during the day, stay awake at night, and chant Mahashivratri mantra and hymns.
• If observing a fast, devotees can consume sattvik food, such as fruits, milk and nuts. While preparing falhar for the fast, use rock salt (sendha namak) instead of regular salt.

Read About Other Important Festivals