08/03/2024
Maha Shivratri:- which is devoted to the adoration of Lord Shiva. This festival is celebrated annually towards the conclusion of winter, typically in February/March. On Maha Shivratri, individuals fast throughout the entirety of the day and night. Nearly all temples dedicated to Lord Shiva witness a significant gathering of devotees from the early morning hours. Rituals are carried out in front of the lingam (idol). As per the Shiva Purana, the Maha Shivratri puja comprises six steps. The initial step involves bathing in the Ganga, followed by bathing the lingam in Ganga water and subsequently in milk and honey. Subsequently, vermilion paste is applied to the lingam, and offerings of fruits and flowers are made to the idol. Devotees also apply holy ash to their foreheads.
Maha Shivaratri falls on the 14th day of the dark fortnight of the Phalgun month (February/March), according to the Hindu calendar. People offer flowers, coconut, bhang, dhatura, fruits, etc, to shivlings and idols.
An intriguing history surrounds the origin of the festival, as per myths and legends. It is said that during the churning of the ocean of milk by gods and demons to obtain amrita, the water of immortality, a dangerous poison emerged and released fumes that posed a threat to the entire universe. The gods then went to Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu for help, but they couldn't do anything. At last, they went to Lord Shiva to ask for help, who swallowed the poison in order to save the universe. This left a deep blue mark on his throat. A popular belief celebrates this incident at the festival.
