Why is Mahashivratri celebrated? Know 3 major religious importance
Now only a short time is left for Mahashivratri, the biggest festival of Lord Shiva. In such a situation, preparations for this festival have started in full swing in all the Shivalayas and Jyotirlingas of the country. We all know that on the day of Shivratri, Lord Bholenath and Goddess Adishakti i.e. Mother Parvati are worshiped with rituals.
But do you know the religious significance behind celebrating Mahashivratri? Let’s explore together.
Our culture, traditions, and festivals are said to have a special significance. It is believed that all fasts and festivals are associated with some kind of divine energy. The name and form of these energies have been explained somewhere. A similar supernatural energy is also contained in Adidev and the infinite Lord Shiva. It may not be possible to mention the glory of Lord Shiva in detail, but here we are going to tell you about the religious importance of Mahashivratri, the biggest festival associated with him. Let us know-
Celebration of Mahashivratri (festival of Mahashivratri)
The most sacred festival dedicated to Lord Shiva falls on the Chaturdashi tithi of Krishna Paksha during the month of Phalguna (information about Mahashivratri). This festival is celebrated every year between the months of February and March.
On this holy night of Shivratri, many Shiva devotees stay awake the whole night and worship Lord Shiva. Along with this, many people also practice chanting Vedic mantras and meditation. It is believed that this sacred practice infuses a positive energy within us. On this day, by doing meditation along with worship, the mind feels peaceful.
Significance of Mahashivratri Importance behind celebrating Mahashivratri
union of shiva-shakti
On the day of Mahashivratri, Shiva devotees stay awake at night and remember their beloved Lord Shiva. It is said that devotees stay awake on this day to celebrate the marriage of Lord Shiva and Goddess Adishakti. According to religious texts, the marriage of Mahadev and Mata Sati took place on this day. This was the same day when Adiyogi Lord Shiva left renunciation and entered household life. This is the reason why the festival of Mahashivratri is celebrated on this day.
Appeared in the form of Shivalinga
One of the reasons behind celebrating Mahashivratri in religious scriptures is that on this day, Lord Shiva appeared for the first time in the form of Shivalinga. It is believed that it was in the form of a Jyotirlinga. It is said that this Shivalinga had neither a beginning nor an end. Lord Shiva had entrusted the task of finding out about this Shivalinga to Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu. But both of them had failed to reach the beginning and end of this Shivalinga. Therefore, on the day of Mahashivratri, Shivalinga is worshiped with full rituals by a large number of devotees.
Bholenath drank the cup of poison
One of the reasons behind celebrating Mahashivratri as a festival is that it was on this day that Bhole Baba received the title of Neelkanth. According to the legend, when all the gods and demons were churning the ocean to obtain nectar, a terrible poison named Kalakuta appeared from the ocean. This day was Chaturdashi of Phalgun month. At that time, when all the gods prayed, Bholenath drank that poison and gave that poisonous effect in his throat. Lord Shankar eliminated that effect, but due to keeping the poison in his throat for so long, his throat turned blue. From that time Lord Shiva started being addressed as Neelkanth all over the world.
On the day of Mahashivratri, along with the Chalisa of Lord Shiva, the recitation of Rudrashtak is also considered very effective. In astrology, the day of Mahashivratri is considered very good for spiritual progress and meditation. It is said that by chanting ‘Om’ and meditating on this day, one feels peace in the mind.