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Maha Shivaratri, the "Great Night of Shiva," is one of the most significant festivals in the Hindu calendar. It celebrates the divine union and is considered especially auspicious for spiritual practices.
When is Maha Shivaratri?
Maha Shivaratri falls on the 14th night of the dark fortnight (Krishna Paksha) in the month of Phalguna (February-March). The festival is celebrated overnight, with the Nishita Kala (midnight period) being the most auspicious.
Spiritual Significance
Several legends are associated with Maha Shivaratri:
- Cosmic Dance: Lord Shiva performs the Tandava, the cosmic dance of creation and destruction
- Divine Marriage: The union of Shiva and Shakti (Parvati)
- Samudra Manthan: When Shiva drank the Halahala poison to save the universe
- Jyotirlinga: The night when Shiva manifested as an infinite column of light
Astrological Significance
From an astrological perspective:
- The Moon (representing mind) is at its smallest, allowing inner focus
- Ideal time for meditation and spiritual practices
- Saturn (Shani) is the son of Sun and shadow, and this night honors the transformative power both represent
- Beneficial for those with challenging Saturn or Moon placements
Traditional Practices
Fasting (Vrat)
Devotees observe a strict fast, some taking only water or fruits. The fast is broken the next morning after worship.
Night Vigil (Jagaran)
Staying awake through the night in meditation, chanting, or listening to spiritual discourses.
Abhishekam
Bathing the Shiva Lingam with milk, honey, water, and other sacred substances throughout the night.
Offerings
- Bilva (Bel) leaves - most sacred to Shiva
- Dhatura flowers
- Milk and water
- Sandalwood paste
- Fruits and nuts
Mantras
- Om Namah Shivaya - The Panchakshari Mantra
- Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra - For health and liberation
- Rudram/Chamakam - Vedic hymns to Rudra
Famous Shiva Temples to Visit
- Kashi Vishwanath, Varanasi: One of the 12 Jyotirlingas
- Somnath, Gujarat: The first Jyotirlinga
- Mahakaleshwar, Ujjain: Where Shiva is worshipped as the lord of time
- Rameshwaram, Tamil Nadu: Southernmost Jyotirlinga
- Kedarnath, Uttarakhand: In the Himalayas