Maha Shivaratri (Maha Shivratri, Maha Sivaratri, Shivaratri, Sivaratri) is a festival that is dedicated to the worship Lord Shiva on the 13th or 14th day of the Hindu month of Maagha or Phalguna. The festival usually occurs in the month of February or March and is observed for one day and night only. The festival of 'Maha Shivratri' which literally translates to 'the greatest night of Shiva' is one of the most splendidly celebrated festivals across India. But, why is Shivratri celebrated? There is more than one Mahashivaratri story surrounding this occasion. Here are a few:
• One is that Lord Shiva married Parvati on this day. So, it is a celebration of this sacred union. • Another is that when the Gods and demons churned the ocean together to obtain ambrosia that lay in its depths, a pot of poison emerged. Lord Shiva consumed this poison, saving both the Gods and mankind. The poison lodged in the Lord’s throat, turning him blue. To honor the savior of the world, Shivratri is celebrated. • One more legend is that as Goddess Ganga descended from heaven in full force, Lord Shiva caught her in his matted locks, and released her on to Earth as several streams. This prevented destruction on Earth. As a tribute to Him, the Shivalinga is bathed on this auspicious night. • Also, it is believed that the formless God Sadashiv appeared in the form of a Lingodhbhav Moorthi at midnight. Hence, people stay awake all night, offering prayers to the God.
A student's experience of celebrating Maha Shiviratri
I came from Mauritius and Maha Shivaratri is celebrated during the new moon and during this period of time most Hindus will start there pilgrimage to the sacred lake of Ganga Talao located in Grande Bassin. We would walk miles to the scared lake from home for the celebration. This festival would last for ten days in Mauritius to celebrate God Shiva. To celebrate Maha Shivaratri devotees of shiva would make kanwar, made out of bamboo, bells, Mirrors and flowers which they will carry on their shoulder for the pilgrimage.
Devotees of Shiva would stay awake the entire night praying, performing pooja or chant Vedic (Hindu’s sacred text) mantras. During these ten days we will pray daily, and will not consume alcohol or eat meat. During fast Hindus must use Serdha Namak or rock salt in their food. These practices create a sense of peace within us and oneself with the the world. In these times the inhabitants would have their doors wide open for anyone who needed to take a rest or drink water.
This piece was written by Agase and Kavishka of the Student Intercultural education Team