Shivaratri: Night of Shiva

Mahashivaratri (the great night of Shiva) falls on the fourteenth day of the dark fortnight of Phalguna (February- March), and is dedicated to the worship of Lord Shiva. This festival is universally observed by the Hindus. On this day devotees sing bhajans in honor of Shiva, recite Sanskrit shlokas (verses) from scriptures, offer prayers in the morning and evening, and some observe fasting throughout the day. People visit nearby temples of Shiva and offer prayers in large crowds.

It’s a popular festival in North India. The Shiva Lingam is worshipped throughout the night by washing it every three hours with milk, curd, honey, rose water and specially prepared sacred food to Shiva and his divine consort Parvati, whilst the chanting of the Mantra "Om Namah Shivaya" continues.

Offerings of Bel leaves and dhatura (a flower) are made to the Lingam as both these items are considered very sacred and it is said that Goddess Lakshmi resides in them. Some devotees, especially the men, prepare an intoxicating drink called Thandai (made from cannabis, almonds, and milk), sing songs in praise of the Lord Shiva and dance to the rhythm of the drums.

Unlike other festivals which are celebrated by day, Shivratri is nocturnal, celebrating the mythic marriage of Shiva and Parvati. Lord Shiva has no human embodiment. His celestial form makes him a different entity. The lord Shiva signifies, he is a preserver of the world, the bestower of fertility and tranquility. Further, he is emblematic of the trebling of his potency and also symbolises the perversion of three vital urges for "possession, property and authority.

Lord Shiva (meaning “auspicious”), is considered the Destroyer and Re-Producer of life and is the most powerful god of the Hindu pantheon. He is known by many names and is the most sought-after deity amongst the Hindus, who believe he has a magnanimous heart and grants all their wishes.

In temples, Shiva is usually found as a phallic symbol of the lingam, which represents the energies necessary for life on both levels. The image of Shiva is distinct: his hair is piled high on the top of his head with a crescent tucked into it and the river Ganges tumbling from his hairs. A coiled serpent is around his neck representing Kundalini, the spiritual energy within life. He holds a trident in his left hand in which is bound the 'damroo' (small leather drum). He sits on a tiger skin and on his right is a water pot and wears the 'Rudraksha' beads.

Shivratri is considered especially auspicious for women. Married women pray for the well being of their husbands and sons, while unmarried women pray for an ideal husband like Shiva, who is the spouse of Parvati. Generally it is believed that anyone who utters the name of Shiva during Shivratri with pure devotion is freed from all sins. He or she reaches the abode of Shiva and is liberated from the cycle of birth and death.

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