Maha Shivaratri 2011

Shivaratri literally means ‘the night of Lord Shiva’ and unlike other festivals associated with Hinduism there is no fun and merrymaking on the day. Shiva is believed to have appeared in the form of ‘Lingodabhavamurti’ or Jyotir Linga on the Shivratri night.

Shivratri 2011 or Maha Shivaratri 2011 date is March 2nd. IDevotees observe upvas (fasting) and Jagran on Shivratri to get blessings of Lord Shiva.

Story behind it

In the Puranas many myths, stories and legends explain the origin and significance of the festival Maha Shivaratri.

As per one, during the period of churning the ocean (sagar manthan) by the gods and the demons, a pot of poison (Kaal koot) emerged from the ocean. This sudden incident terrified the dev ganas and asura ganas as the poison was capable of creating mahapralaya (deluge), which can destroy the entire universe.

To save themselves and the universe they went to Lord Shiva for help. For the worlds safer existence and the survival of living beings, Shiva drank the ‘Kaal koot visha (terrible poison). But, instead of swallowing he kept it in his throat. Keeping the deadly poison in his throat made Shivas throat turn blue. Because of this great miracle Shiva is also called Neelakanta, the one who has blue throat. To commemorate the event of Shiva protecting the world with his miraculous act, we celebrate Maha Shivrathri.

Unlike other festivals associated with Hinduism, Mahashivratri is a night dedicated largely to prayers and not to celebrations. Of course, when Lord Shiva is worshipped there is bliss all around but that bliss is of self realization.

The popular belief is that Shiva, the formless Brahman, appeared in a form on Mahashivratri day. On the Mahashivratri night Lord Shiva is worshipped in a special form of Linga called ‘Lingodabhavamurti.’ It is a lingam in the form of fire which has neither a beginning nor an end. It must be noted here that ‘linga’ means ‘sign.’

And it is merely an attempt to capture the formless Brahman.

Devotees observe fast and avoid sleeping on the day as it is believed that Shiva appeared at night in the form of Lingodabhavamurti.

How to celebrate Shivaratri?

Shivratri is the day when rituals and worship are given more importance. There is no fun or merrymaking as in other Hindu festivals.

* It is a day of renunciation and prayer. It is a day to realize the Brahmn and cleanse ignorance. Lord Shiva appeared in the form of Jyotirlinga on this day. A lingam which had no end and beginning and it symbolizes Brahman.

* It is said that one should practice non-violence on this day. Then are things like not to lie, strict brahmacharya, be compassionate etc.

* Generally most people fast on Shivaratri day by uttering the panchakshari mantra – ‘om namah shivaya.’ Next is keeping vigil all night by worshipping Lord Shiva. Worshipping Shiva with Bilva leaves is considered highly auspicious.

* If you have a Shivling at home you can keep on bathing it at night with milk, curd, sugar, honey and ghee-PANCHANMRUTHAM.

If u find this hard...pouring simple water will do. Remember, Shiva accepts anything when given with utmost devotion.

* If you are unable to observe fast or keep vigil during night, you can observe the day by chanting ‘om namah shivaya.’

How to do Shivratri Puja

*Wake up before sunrise and take bath and wear clean clothes.

*Applying of sacred ash, or vibhuthi, is an important aspect on the day. People also wear a Rudraksha Mala.

*The idols of Ganesh, Shiva and Parvati are cleaned and a lamp is lit.

*Most people then visit a nearby Shiva temple. In most places, Shivratri is largely observed in temples.

How to observe fast

Most devotees go for a fruit diet and drink lots of water.

No meal is eaten after sunset.

Next meal is taken on the morning of Amavasi after doing puja and giving alms.

The entire night is spend in a nearby Shiva temple or by chanting Mantras or listening to stories related to Shiva.

Some of the important mantras that are chanted on the day include:

Shiva Panchakshari Mantra – Om Namah Shivaya or chanting the sacred names of Lord Shiva.

People who have a Shivling at home can bathe the Shivling with water intermittently throughout the night.

All the rituals on the night of Shivratri are meant to cleanse the ignorance and realize the Brahmn manifest in you.

The fasting, rituals and chanting are meant to kill desire, greed, illusion, arrogance, jealousy, and anger. This will make us a better person and prepare us to face the challenges.