Mahashivaratri: The Divine Night of Lord Shiva
According to one legend in the Shaivism tradition, Mahashivaratri is the night when Shiva performs the cosmic dance of creation, preservation, and destruction. The chanting of hymns, the reading of Shiva scriptures, and the chorus of devotees join this cosmic dance and remember Shiva's presence everywhere.
In Sanatan Dharma, this day marks the triumph of light over darkness, known as the Tandava. It is also believed to be the night when Lord Shiva married Goddess Parvati.
Observance and the Hidden Difference Between Shivaratri and Mahashivaratri
Mahashivaratri is observed in the month of Phalguna (or sometimes Magha) according to the Hindu lunar calendar. The festival typically takes place in February or March in the Gregorian calendar. It is celebrated annually on the 14th day of the Phalguna month, marking the wedding of Shiva and Parvati, as well as the cosmic dance of Tandava.
In contrast, Shivaratri is celebrated monthly. It is marked as the darkest night of the month. There are four distinct types of Shivaratri vrat: Nitya Shivaratri, Masik Shivaratri, Magha Shivaratri, and Maha Shivaratri. Among these, Masik Shivaratri is observed on the Chaturdashi, or the fourteenth day, of every month according to the traditional Hindu calendar.
The Famed Story Behind the Celebration of Mahashivaratri: The Tale of Lubdhaka
A poor tribal man named Lubdhaka went into the forest to collect firewood. He lost his way back home, and as the sunlight dimmed, he climbed a bel tree to stay safe from tigers and wild animals. To keep himself awake and positive, he plucked leaves from the tree and dropped them while chanting Shiva's name.
By sunrise, he had unknowingly dropped thousands of bel leaves (bel patra) onto a Shiva lingam located beneath the tree. Since it was dark, he couldn’t see the Shiva lingam. Pleased by Lubdhaka’s worship, Shiva rewarded him with divine bliss, offering him a place in heaven. Hence, it is believed that if one worships Shiva and offers bel patra on a Shiva lingam, they receive direct blessings from the divine.
Shiva Linga: A Formless Divinity
The Linga symbolizes Shiva’s creative power, often depicted as a phallic symbol representing the source of all creation. Unlike other deities with detailed anthropomorphic forms, Shiva is often worshipped in the form of the Linga, representing his formless, all-pervading nature. The shape of the Shiva Linga is often compared to a cosmic egg (Brahmanda), signifying the origin of the universe.
Reason Behind Its Commemoration
Cosmic Dance:
Shiva's Tandava is a representation of the eternal cycle of life. As Nataraja, the cosmic dancer, Shiva’s movements symbolize the creation, sustenance, and destruction of the universe, paving the way for transformation and renewal.
Shiv-Parvati Vivah:
It is believed that Lord Shiva married Goddess Parvati on this night, overcoming all odds. Parvati meditated for years to prove her devotion. Mesmerized by her dedication, Shiva agreed to marry her. Lord Brahma officiated the wedding, Lord Vishnu acted as Parvati’s brother, and sages, Devas, and celestial beings witnessed the sacred union.
Shiva the Saviour:
In the Hindu myth of Samudra Manthan (Churning of the Ocean), Shiva played a crucial role in consuming the deadly poison Halahal that emerged from the ocean, thereby saving the universe from destruction. Due to this act, Shiva is often called Neelakantha (blue-throated) as the poison stained his throat blue.
Spiritual Development:
Mahashivaratri is considered a significant night for spiritual growth. Cosmic energies align, enabling devotees to deepen their connection with the divine through meditation, prayer, and fasting. It promotes inner peace, self-reflection, and transformation, helping individuals transcend the ego and embrace higher consciousness.
Social and Cultural Impact
Millions of devotees wake up early, take a holy bath, and visit temples or home shrines to offer prayers. A significant ritual performed is the Linga Abhishekam, where devotees actively participate.
Offerings such as coconut, bilva leaves, and fruits are made to Lord Shiva. Devotees wait in long queues outside Shiva temples, chanting bhajans and kirtans in reverence to Shiva and Parvati.
Mahashivaratri is not only celebrated in India but also in Nepal, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mauritius, Fiji, Germany, France, and the United Kingdom with equal devotion and enthusiasm.
A Quick Dive into the Scientific Explanation of This Pious Night
Planetary Alignment:
The alignment of planets during Mahashivaratri is believed to enhance kundalini energy, a primal energy stored in the spine, assisting devotees in deep meditation.
Vata Component:
The sun and moon's alignment during Mahashivaratri activates the Vata component of the body, which influences the nervous system and bodily movements.
Energy Upsurge:
During this time, the northern hemisphere is positioned in a way that causes a natural energy upsurge in humans, making it a potent period for spiritual seekers to reach their peak.
The Rift in Beliefs
For different groups, Mahashivaratri holds varied significance:
- Spiritual Seekers: Contemplate the cycle of destruction and regeneration, reflecting on the source of creation within.
- Householders (Grihasthas): Celebrate it as Shiva-Parvati's wedding anniversary, symbolizing love and devotion.
- Ascetics: View it as the night when Shiva merged with Kailash Parvat, achieving total stillness and becoming Achaleshwara.
- Ambitious Individuals: See it as the day Shiva conquered his enemies, signifying the triumph of good over evil.
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