Maha means grand and Shivratri means the night of Shiva. Thus, the word Maha Shivratri literally means the grand night of Lord Shiva. The festival of Maha Shivratri is amongst one of the important Hindu festival which is celebrated in reverence of Lord Shiva by his devotee with religious fervour. The festival is traditionally celebrated on the moonless night of the 14th day of the Phalgun month of the Hindu calendar that falls in February-March. This year, the festival of Maha Shivratri will be celebrated on 27th February across the length and breadth of the country.
Although, there are plenty of legendary stories associated with the celebration of this festival; however, the most famous story revolves around the re-union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. King Daksha opposed his daughter Sati’s marriage to Shiva and insulted him publicly during the Yagna held at his place. Due to this, Sati got so infuriated that she jumped into the sacrificial fire and ended her life. This made Shiva quiet furious and he showcased his anger by performing Tandava, the destructive dance form. His anger ruined King Daksha’s kingdom and Lord Shiva retired to the Himalayas. This made the God’s scared as they feared that Lord Shiva’s anger might bring an end to the world. Therefore, they revived Sati in the pretense of Parvati-Sati’s reincarnation. Thus, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati got married and their reunion is celebrated as Maha Shivratri.
The traditional celebrations include devotees keeping themselves awake the entire night, meditating, chanting ‘Om Namah Shivaya’ and performing puja’s. The festival holds great significance for Lord Shiva’s devotees as it also test’s their ability to abstain from food and observing a fast and remaining awake overnight.
How to celebrate Maha Shivratri at home?
• Tell your children about the legends associated to the celebration of this festival.
• Wake-up early in the morning, dress-up in new traditional clothes and offer prayers at the temples.
• Together with your children observe fast on this day, taking only fruits and milk.
• Tell them about the importance of meditation and how it helps to save energy.
• Encourage your children to arrange and decorate the sacred thaali for the puja.
• Involve your children to perform the puja and Rudrabhisheka of Lord Shiva.
• Teach your children the lyrics of ‘Om Namah Shivaya’.
• Prepare special ‘Thandai’, which is also offered as a prasad among Lord Shiva’s devotees.
• Organise a fancy dress competition and motivate the children to dress up as Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati etc.
So, celebrate the auspicious festival of Maha Shivratri with your family and friends & express gratitude to Lord Shiva.
