Why Do We Celebrate Maha Shivratri - Lord Shiva's rise as the protector (महाशिवरात्रि)

Maha Shivratri - Lord Shiva's rise as the protector (महाशिवरात्रि)

#Lordshiva, #harharmahadev,#harharmahadev, #Jaishivshambhu,

• On this auspicious day, Lord Shiva promised to be the protector of the universe, hence blessing everyone with the boon of freedom from all darkness and ignorance. Hence, Maha Shivratri is also symbolic of awakening to the divine soul within our own selves.

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• Maha Shivratri that literally means the 'Night of Lord Shiva' is a prominent Hindu festival celebrated with enormous zeal and enthusiasm in various parts of the country. The festival is generally celebrated in the month of Phalguna or Maagh (February or March) according to the Hindu Lunar Calendar. On this auspicious day, people in large numbers, throng to temples and offer prayers to please the Lord. It is also believed that The Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati married on this day. Many people also observe a fast on this day and offer sweets, flowers, milk and bael leaves on Shiva Linga.
  
  Date: February 21, 2020

Maha Shivaratri 2020 is on February 21 Friday:

When is Shivaratri celebrated?

Maha Shivratri is usually celebrated on the 13th or 14th day of the Krishna Paksha of the Indian month of Falgun. As per English calendars, it usually falls in the month of February or March. According to the position of the moon, Maha Shivratri falls just before the occurrence of the new moon.

Read this also: Story, facts, and rules of Mahashivratri:

Although there are many stories behind why this day is celebrated as Maha Shivratri, the most authentic tale is about how Lord Shiva was approached by Gods all across the world to protect them from a poison that the vast oceans were gurgling out hence posing a threat to their existence. In order to endanger them, Mahadev swallowed the poison himself and preserved it in his throat with the help of a snake coiling around it. Gods thanked the Lord for protecting them and thereafter, it is believed that whoever keeps a fast on this day and remembers Lord Shiva with dedication and faith, he or she is granted life and health by the Lord himself.

Another story revolving around Maha Shivratri is the reunion of Lord Shiva and Parvati on this day after the Gods recreated Sati, Shiva's wife in the form of Parvati. As mythology goes, Sati lent her self to the sacred fire after her father insulted Shiva in front of all at an event in his own kingdom. This day is also remembered as the day of arousal of 'Jyotirlinga', an avatar of Mahadev.

Read This Also: Maha Shivratri: Some incredible rituals of Maha Shivratri:

    Usually, devotees fast the whole day with the intake of only meager fruits and milk during this period.
    In the night, puja is offered at the various temples of Lord Shiva and a special ritual of 'Rudrabhisheka' is performed where people bathe the Lord with milk and offer sweets and prayers.
    It is advised by spiritual experts to practice meditation on this day and to chant 'Om Namah Shivaya' as many times as possible during the whole day.
    Married women perform special pujas on this day for the health and well being of their husbands.

Important Timings On Maha Shivaratri:

Sunrise                                                  February 21, 2020, 6:59 AM

Sunset                                                     February 21, 2020 6:22 PM

Nishita Kaal Puja Time                    February 22, 12:15 AM - February 22, 1:05 AM

Ratri First Prahar Puja Time         February 21, 6:22 PM - February 21, 9:31 PM

Ratri Second Prahar Puja Time   February 21, 9:31 PM - February 22, 12:40 AM

Ratri Third Prahar Puja Time       February 22, 12:40 AM - February 22, 3:49 AM

Ratri Fourth Prahar Puja Time     February 22, 3:49 AM - February 22, 6:58 AM

Chaturdashi Tithi Begins                 February 21, 2020, 5:21 PM

Chaturdashi Tithi Ends                    February 22, 2020, 7:03 PM

Maha Shivaratri Parana Time       February 22, 6:58 AM - February 22, 7:03 PM

 

History and Rituals behind the Celebration of Maha Shivratri Festival

There are many stories attributed to the celebration of the Maha Shivratri festival, but the popular one is when the Lord Shiva, saved the world from destruction by drinking the poison. According to the Puranas, once the Gods and demons decided to churn the ocean and distribute the things among themselves that emerged from it. When the ocean was churned (Samudra Manthan), a pot full of poison that could have destroyed the earth emerged. The Gods sought the help of Lord Shiva to protect the world. To save mankind, Lord Shiva swallowed the poison. The poison was so deadly that the throat of the Lord turned blue, since then he is also popularly known by the name 'Nilkantha'.