Mahashivratri

Mahashivratri Festival

Meaning of MahaShivratri is the night time of Shiva, and ceremonies are pre-arranged mainly at night time. Shivratri is a festival celebrated every 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). The festival is principally celebrated by offerings of Bael (Bilva) leaves to the Lord Shiva.

The day mahashivratri dedicated people observe the fast and take fruit and milk and worship of Lord Shiva day and night. Perform detailed puja to Siva and perform Rudrabhisheka. Chant various hymns & bhajan of Lord Shiva. All Shiva temples is quite apparent and there are lots of followers queuing up to get darshan of Lord & offer his bow is at the foot of Lord Shiva on this special day. On this day, the full benefit of principle to obtain Lord Shiva, one must chant "Om Namah Shivaya 'as many as possible.

Significance of Shivaratri for Women

Shivratri is considered especially beneficial for women. Married women pray for the welfare of their husbands and family, while unmarried women pray for an ideal husband like Shiva, who is the spouse of Kali, Parvati and Durga. "But it is generally assumed that anyone who speaks the name of Shiva during Shivratri with pure devotion is freed from all sins. He or she reaches the abode of Shiva and is liberated from the cycle of birth and death.