Chandigarh, 24 February 2025 — Maha Shivratri, one of the most significant Hindu festivals, is celebrated in honor of Lord Shiva. It falls on the 14th night of the lunar month of Phalguna (February-March) and is observed with great reverence by devotees across India and in many parts of the world.
Unlike other Hindu festivals, which often involve grand feasts and elaborate celebrations, Maha Shivratri is marked by fasting, meditation, and night-long worship of Lord Shiva.
Maha Shivratri is considered the night of divine transformation. According to Hindu mythology, it is believed to be the night when Lord Shiva performed the cosmic dance of destruction, known as the Tandava, symbolizing the cycle of creation, preservation, and destruction. Devotees believe that worshipping Lord Shiva on this auspicious night can help them attain spiritual enlightenment, remove past sins, and bring inner peace.
Another significant legend associated with Maha Shivratri is the marriage of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. It is said that Parvati, after years of penance, won Shiva’s heart, and their divine union took place on this sacred night. This makes Maha Shivratri particularly special for married couples and those seeking a harmonious relationship.
Many women observe fasts and pray for a blissful marriage, while unmarried women seek an ideal partner like Lord Shiva.
Maha Shivratri is observed with deep devotion, with rituals varying across different regions. However, certain customs remain central to the celebration:
Fasting: Devotees observe a strict fast, consuming only fruits, milk, and water. Some maintain a complete fast without even drinking water, believing it purifies the soul and strengthens their devotion.
Night-Long Vigil: Temples remain open throughout the night, and devotees stay awake, singing hymns and chanting Om Namah Shivaya to express their devotion. This is symbolic of overcoming darkness and ignorance.
Abhishek (Ritual Bathing of the Shivling): The Shivling is bathed with sacred offerings such as milk, honey, water, yogurt, and ghee, representing purification and surrender to Lord Shiva. Bel leaves (Bilva Patra) are also offered, as they are believed to be particularly dear to Shiva.
Reading of Scriptures: Devotees read or listen to the Shiva Purana, Lingashtakam, and Rudram, which narrate the divine glories of Lord Shiva.
Maha Shivratri and Meditation
This sacred night is considered ideal for meditation and spiritual awakening. It is believed that cosmic energy is at its peak during Maha Shivratri, making it an opportune time for seekers to deepen their meditation practices. Spiritual leaders often encourage devotees to engage in self-reflection, detachment from worldly distractions, and seeking the ultimate truth.
Maha Shivratri is more than just a religious observance; it is a night of self-discipline, devotion, and spiritual growth. It reminds devotees of the impermanence of material life and the eternal nature of the divine. By fasting, meditating, and worshipping Lord Shiva, devotees seek inner peace, divine blessings, and the strength to overcome the challenges of life.
