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Maha Shivratri: Celebrate the great night of Lord Shiva

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Embrace the divine night of devotion

As the world bathes in the soft hues of the waning lunar month of Phalguna, the aura of a celestial celebration beckons you. Maha Shivratri, which marks the divine union of Lord Shiva and Mother Parvati, is a unique festival that illuminates the night sky with divine fervour. It is said that the universe came into existence on this mystical night, symbolising the triumph of light over darkness.

On this day, you will witness temples dedicated to Lord Shiva adorned with vibrant marigold garlands and shimmering diyas (oil lamps). Witness the surreal abhishekam ceremony, where devotees bathe the Shiva Linga (representation of Shiva) with milk, honey, and sacred offerings, as they fill the air with the chants of ‘Om Namah Shivay’! Join devotees as they observe the age-old tradition of fasting, a physical and mental discipline to focus inward and seek blessings.

Come, and embark on a spiritual odyssey as you immerse yourself in the heart of Hindu culture, celebrating the enigmatic Lord Shiva, the destroyer and regenerator, the embodiment of cosmic energy.

A night of natural energy

According to ancient Indian yogic science, the 14th day of every lunar month (Shivratri) is believed to have a natural upsurge of energy in humans. Maha Shivratri, however, which falls in February-March, is considered the most potent. The positioning of the northern hemisphere on this night is said to create a surge of energy within us, pushing us towards a spiritual peak. To harness this natural phenomenon, the tradition of a nightlong festival was established.

One of the key aspects of this festival is staying awake with your spine erect throughout the night. With this practice, it is believed, that you can tap into positive energy emanating from planetary alignments. This energy can gradually transform you into a more spiritually inclined person, aligning your body, mind, and soul.

The night of Maha Shivratri is more than a celebration, it is also about overcoming darkness and ignorance in life and the world. Immerse yourself in the sacred stillness of night, as the air is charged with the energy of devotees reciting prayers, chanting hymns, and partaking in an all-night vigil, creating an atmosphere pulsating with divine vibrations.


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Essential information

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Witness the beauty of devotion

On the day of Maha Shivratri, devotees rise early to partake in a ritual bath, preferably in the purifying waters of the Ganga. Feel the essence of the festival by joining them in offering prayers to the Sun God, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Shiva. After the bath, adorn yourself in fresh new clothes before visiting the nearest Shiva temple.

Here, you will witness a ritual bath of the Shiva Lingam, known as ‘Abhishekam’, as the priests offer milk, honey, water, and other symbolic elements. Special offerings like ber or jujube fruit, beetle leaves, and bilwa leaves add a touch of sacredness to the celebration.

The festival has also served as a historic confluence of artistic expression, with annual dance festivals gracing major Hindu temples like Konark, Khajuraho, Pattadakal, Modhera, and Chidambaram. At the Chidambaram temple, you will witness Natyanjali, which translates to ‘worship through dance’. This event showcases the beauty of ancient dance mudras depicted in the Hindu text Natya Shastra. Pay a visit to the Shiva temples in Khajuraho too, where a grand fair and dance festival is hosted Maha Shivaratri, attracting Shaiva pilgrims from miles around.

You may even choose to embark on pilgrimages to the sacred 12 Jyotirlinga shrines across India including the famed Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi, the iconic Somnath Temple in Gujarat, or the Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain among others, which draw devotees in large numbers.


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The legends behind the festival

Besides the legends that mark Maha Shivratri as the day the universe was created or the celestial union of Shiva and Parvati, other legends add even more spiritual vibrancy to this festival. It is said that when gods and demons started to churn the ocean of milk to get Amrit (elixir of life), the first thing that appeared from the sea was Halahala, a deadly poison. Lord Shiva agreed to help them and drank the poison, saving all three worlds from destruction. Another legend states that Maha Shivratri is the night when Shiva performs Tandava, the heavenly dance of creation, preservation and destruction.


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An opportunity to rejuvenate your soul

Maha Shivratri is an opportunity to connect with the vast emptiness within every human being, the source of all creation. Devotees believe that spiritual practices on Maha Shivratri bear manifold results, freeing you from the burdens of negative karma.

So, as the celestial dance of Shiva unfolds on Maha Shivratri, let this night not merely be a night of wakefulness but of profound awakening. In the rhythmic heartbeat of this night, let the divine dance of creation, preservation, and destruction resonate within your soul, marking the triumph of light over darkness, and the eternal presence of Shiva in every breath.

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