Why We Celebrate Maha Shivratri

There are many legends behind celebrating the day Maha Shivaratri. Some say this was the day when Shiva turned into a Neelkanth, and some say this is the day on which Shiva and Parvati got married.

Today we will get to know such legends and uncover the mystery behind this day. Let’s carry on cherishing the interesting legends-

The Arrival of Maha Shivaratri

Shivaratri is one of the most significant festivals in Hinduism that happens every year in the month of February-March. This year, it will be celebrated on 1st March 2022. As per the Hindu Calendar, it is observed on Chaturdashi or the 14th day of Krishna Paksha, which is also known as the Phagun month.

People in all directions visit Shiva temples; they come in thousands and even lacs. This festival is especially celebrated by young girls and women. Majorly, females fast on Shivaratri as it is believed that observing fast gives them the grace of Shiva. As a result, they find an ideal partner like Shiva. Married women observe this fast to pray to Lord Shiva for the well-being of their husbands and family.

Devotees’ hordes attend Shiva temples offer water, milk, dhatura, bhang, and akwan flowers on the Lingam since all these ingredients are dear to Shiva. 

Let’s catch on to several legends associated with the day-

Why We Celebrate Maha Shivratri

The Marriage of Shiva and Parvati

The legend related to the marriage of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati is especially famous in North India. Here people celebrate the day to remember the divine union of the heavenly entities. It’s all said that Goddess Parvati performed several harsh penances to get Shiva as her husband since Lord Shiva was always a celibate.

Thus on this day, all temples are decorated beautifully, Shiva’s divine songs are played, people gather and become a part of the great processions while singing, dancing, and even playing with colors. Everyone seems immersed in “Bhole ki Bhakti” or the “devotion toward Bhole.”

In the evening, the procession happens with Lord Shiva to memorize the arrival of Lord Shiva as a groom.

The Birthday of Lord Shiva

This day is also considered the birthday of Lord Shiva. Once Brahma and Vishnu, the two entities of the Trinity, were discussing who is the most powerful. This discussion soon turned into an argument when none of them reached a conclusion.

Then to attempt an end to their argument, Lord Shiva stepped in and turned himself into a giant flame. He asked both the Devas that whoever will find the beginning of the end of this flame is the most powerful.

Both accepted the offer, but no one of them could find any point of that flame. However, after getting tired and coming back to Shiva, they both realized that it is Shiva who has no beginning or end. Hence they both agreed that Shiva is the eternal and the Supreme.

Story of Neelkantha

It is the legend during the time of churning of the ocean, also known as Samudra Manthan. All the Devas and Asuras were there to drink the elixir of immortality or Amrit to become immortal. Several powerful and mysterious things came upon the surface; even Goddess Laxmi came to the surface as a result of the churning.

However, along with the Amrit, a pot of poison also came up, and it threatened to immerse the entire Universe. Shiva then came forward and drank that poison so the immortal drink could be saved. However, Shiva stopped the poison in his throat, which made his throat turn blue. 

Since then, Shiva is also known as Neelkantha, where Kantha means Throat and Neel means Blue, the one having a blue throat. Hence to memorize this event in Shiva’s life and to pay him respect, Shivaratri is celebrated. 

The Hunter and the Shivalinga

Once there was a hunter who had to take refuge in the branches of a Bilva tree to save himself from a tiger. Hunter continuously dropped the plucked leaves from the branches to the floor so he didn’t fall asleep and became a feast to the tiger.

These leaves were falling down on a Shiva lingam which was there in the ground. This unknown act of devotion from the hunter pleased Lord Shiva, and he saved the life of the hunter. Since then, Bilva leaves have been offered to Lord Shiva, and they are also dear to the Lord.

This is how there are many legends related to Lord Shiva. There may be different reasons for everyone to celebrate this day; however, devotion always remains the core motivation of this event. Its colors and vibrant vibe can be felt all over the country and even outside India.

May this Maha Shivaratri brings health, happiness, and an ideal life partner to your life as the ultimate grace of Lord Shiva. Celebrate the day on 1st March 2022 this year and get your wishes heard.