With updated technology and gadgets today’s Indore youth might stay away with the concept and knowledge about festivals. Read on to know why one should celebrate Mahashivratri, all the taboo and trivia around this festival.
From all the festivals celebrated in Indore, Mahashivratri is one of the major celebrations. Central India has a large number of Shiva followers & above that Indore city is holistically privileged to be in the radar of two of the major Lord Shiva’s temples, which are Mahakaaleshwar,Ujjain and Omkareshwar. The Mahakaleshwar Temple, Ujjain is one of the most venerated shrines consecrated to Lord Shiva where a large congregation of Shiva devotees turns up every year to offer prayers on the day of Mahashivaratri. The entire city celebrates and welcomes Shiv Parvati to its high as if they are having a marital ceremony at their home.
With no doubts in mind we have a strong ancestral following in our families for Lord Shiva, but considering the present scenario of youngsters – we thought of bringing you the most of it in less of the words.
What is Mahashivratri and why do we celebrate?
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Maha Shivaratri is a Hindu festival celebrated annually in reverence of the God Shiva. We celebrate mahashivratri because it is the day when Lord Shiva was married to the Goddess Parvati. The Mahashivaratri festival, also known as ‘Shivaratri’ or ‘Great Night of Shiva’ is celebrated on the Krishna Paksha Chaturdashi of Hindu calendar in the month of Maagha as per Amavasya-ant month calculation. As per Poornima-ant month calculation, the day is Krishna Paksha Trayodashi or Chaturdashi of Hindu calendar month Phalguna which falls in February or March as per the Gregorian calendar. Of the twelve Shivaratris in the year, the Maha Shivarathri is the most holy.
Rituals of Mahashivratri
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Devotees start their day at very early morning, they bathe at sunrise,in holy water source or at home nowadays, Wear clean cloths, and carries required items to the temple to bathe the Shivalinga which is also known as “abhishek”. Women and men both offer prayers to the Sun, Vishnu and Shiva. The temple reverberates with the sound of bells and shouts of “Shankerji ki Jai” meaning ‘Hail Shiva’
According to the Shiva Purana, the Mahashivaratri worship must incorporate six items:
- Bathing the Shiva Linga with water, milk and honey. Woodapple or bel leaves are added to, which represents purification of the soul;
- Turmeric and kumkum and holy ash is applied to the Shiva Linga after bathing it.
- Offering of fruits, which contribute to longevity and gratification of desires;
- Burning incense (aggerbatti), yielding wealth;
- The lighting of the lamp which is conducive to the attainment of knowledge;
- And betel (paan) leaves marking satisfaction with worldly pleasures.
Importance of Mahashivratri for women
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Shivaratri festival holds lots of importance for women, as it is believed that worshiping Lord helps one finding a good husband like Lord Shiva and happiness for the rest of the life. Few married and unmarried women devotees keep fast on this particular day.
Celebration for the rest of the day
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Devotees exchange sweets and celebrate the remaining day with zeal and enthusiasm. People prefer eating sweet potato; sabudana khichdi and drinking thandai on this auspicious day.and. Thandai is made in two different ways; one is with bhang (cannabis, it is said that Lord Shiva linked to cannabis) and another is just flavor, almonds and milk.
IndoreHD wishes you all a very Happy Maha Shivaratri and hope God and Goddess showers you with their divine blessings. Om Namah Shivaya! Har Har Mahadev!! Do you have any more trivia on how to celebrate Mahashivratri? Tell us in the comments below.
