When Lord Shiva takes a rest, Shiva rests for one 'peak' (three hours) of the night. This 'prahar' is referred to as the Shivratri. Shivratri festival celebrated each year on the 13th night/14th day in the Krishna Paksha (waning moon) of the month of Maagha (as per Shalivahana or Gujarati Vikrama) or Phalguna (as per Vikrama) in the Hindu Calendar (that is, the night before and day of the new moon). On the festival of shivratri offering bael leaves to the Lord Shiva, all day fasting and an all night long vigil.
Mahashivratri Festival
Meaning of Maha Shivratri is the night time of Shiva, and ceremonies are pre-arranged mainly at night time. On the night of Maha Shivratri lord Shiva and Parvati got married. On the day of maha shivratri devoted people observe the fast and taking fruit and milk and worship of Lord shiva day and night. Perform detailed puja of Lord Shiva, and perform Rudrabhisheka. Chant various hymns & bhajan of Lord Shiva. All the Shiva Temples are fully shined and there are hordes of devotees queuing up to get darshan of Lord & offer their obeisance's at the feet of Lord Shiva on this special day.
Maha Shivratri Festival 2014 in India
The mahashivratri festival 2014 is to be celebrated on 27th of February where devotees pour from all over the country to Shiv temples to seek the blessing and the wisdom. It is one of the most auspicious festivals that not only mark the spiritual believes but also the faith of the people in the one of the most powerful God in the Hindu religion. The day is observed in the time of Krishna Paksha(waning moon) of the month of Maagha with offering Bael or Bilva/Vilvam leaves and fasting the entire day and nite reciting the Panchakshara mantra dedicated to Lord "Om Namah Shivaya".
One of the most fascinating part of the maha shivaratri 2014 in india is that followers pray for a happy married life and even those who are unmarried seek the blessing for getting the right husband and wife's for their future to lord Shiva and Parvati. There are certain common rituals that are followed throughout where the devotees bath the Shiv Linga with water, milk and honey which is further added with wood, apple or bel leaves are added to, which represents purification of the soul.
Apart from the mahashivratri festival 2014 there is also the International MahaShivratri Fair that adds to the grand festive with crowds that are not only those from the country but from different countries come together to be a part of the magnificent time of the year. It has gained so much popularity that it is also observed in different parts of the world.
 |
 |
 |