Mahashivratri is celebrated yearly by all Shiva devotees in the
month of Phalguna according to the Hindu calendar. Maha Shivaratri 2014 will be celebrated on 27th of February. On the day of Mahashivratri
devotees observe a strict fast and make it a point to visit a Shiva temple.
Bhajans and Mantras dedicated to Lord Shiva are sung and chanted with dedication
on this day.
On the day of Mahashivratri Shiva temples big and small are
decorated to the hilt. One can find long serpentine queue of devotees at all
Shiva temples on the day of Mahashivratri. Devotees perform Shiva Abhishekam
using sacred articles such as Panchagavya, Gangajal, milk, curd, honey, water
and more. Flowers, fruits such as Datura and Ber, Betel nut and Bel Patra are
also offered to Lord Shiva.
There are many legends which are associated with Mahashivratri
such as that on this day Lord Shiva married Maa Parvati. Also on the day of
Mahashivratri Lord Shiva performed Tadava. One more legend is that on the day of
Mahashivratri Lord Shiva consumed the poison Halahala which emerged during the
churning of oceans and also that Mahashivratri is the favorite day of Lord
Shiva.
One more legend is that on the day of Mahashivratri, Maa Parvati
performed strict penance for the wellbeing of Lord Shiva and hence on this day
married women worship Shiva for wellbeing of their husbands and unmarried girl
for an understanding life partner. According to Shiva Purana worshipping Lord
Shiva with milk, yoghurt, honey, ghee, sugar and water and with utmost sincerity
and dedication is blessed with all worldly pleasures and finally attains
Moksha.
