Mahashivratri 2022: It is one of the most auspicious Hindu festivals celebrated by devotees with much fervor and aplomb. This year it is celebrated on February 18 (Saturday). According to Drik Panchang, the festival falls on Chaturdashi Tithi during Krishna Paksha in the month of Magha. On this day, devotees fast, rudra abhishek and worship Lord Shiva to seek blessings from him.
Shivratri is said to be the fusion of two strong forces in the universe, Shiva and Goddess Shakti. Shiva is known as the God of death and Goddess Shakti as a power that banishes evil powers.
Mahashivratri Date and Puja Time 2023
Maha Shivratri will be celebrated on February 18, 2023. The Chaturdashi Tithi will begin on February 18 at 8:02 pm and end on February 19 at 4:18 pm. While, on February 18 at 6:13 p.m. and ending at 9:24 p.m., the First Ratri Prahar Puja will be held.
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Mahashivratri: History
According to the Puranas, several stories and legends describe the origin of the Shivratri festival.
A story says that during Samudra Manthan, a vessel that was made of poison emerged from the ocean. All the gods and demons were terrified that this would destroy the entire world and so the gods ran to Lord Shiva for help. To protect the entire world from the evil effects, Shiva drank all the poison and held it in his throat instead of swallowing it. Due to this, his throat turns blue and that is why he is also known as Neelakantha. Shivratri is celebrated as an event thanks to which Shiva saved the world.
Another story mentioned in the Shiv Purana is: Once upon a time Brahma and Vishnu were fighting among themselves who is superior between the two. Other gods were terrified and came to Lord Shiva to intervene in the war. To make them realize the futility of their struggle, Shiva took the form of a massive fire that spread throughout the universe. Seeing the magnitude, both gods decided to seek a goal each to establish supremacy over the other. So, by this Brahma assumed the form of a swan and ascended, on the other hand, Vishnu assumed the form of Varaha and entered the earth. But the fire has no limit and they searched thousands of kilometers but could not find the end. On the journey upward, Brahma came across a Ketaki flower. He asked Ketaki where he had come from; Ketaki replied that she had been placed at the top of the pillar of fire as an offering. Brahma could not find the upper limit and took the flower as a witness and came.
At this, Shiva revealed the true form and became angry. Brahma did not find the upper limit and lied. Then, Shiva punished him for telling a lie and cursed him that no one would pray for him. Even the use of the Ketaki flower as an offering for any cult was prohibited. Since it was on the 14th day of the dark half-month of Phalguna when Shiva first manifested in the form of Linga, the day is especially auspicious and is celebrated as Maha Shivratri. Worshiping Shiva on this day is believed to grant happiness and prosperity.
According to another popular legend, Shiva granted the goddess Paravati, an avatar of Shakti, and wished to marry him because he was impressed by her devotion. On a moonless night, the goddess observed fast for her good health after her marriage. Today too, this ritual is followed by an Indian woman who prays for the long life of her husband.
Maha Shivratri is observed in several states of India such as Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh and Bihar.
It is celebrated as the anniversary of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. It is also celebrated as the day when Shiva saved the world from the poison pot. And furthermore, this day marks when Brahma and Vishnu engaged in an argument over their supremacy.
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Mahashivratri: meaning
Followers and devotees of Shiva observe special pujas and perform quickly at various Shiva temples around the world. They offer milk to the Shivalings and pray for moksha. Several devotees pray all night and chant mantras in praise of Lord Shiva. Women pray to be blessed with a good husband and a happy married life. On this day, fairs and cultural programs are organized in various temples.
It is also believed that those people who perform puja, fast and offer prayers to Lord Shiva are blessed with good luck.
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Mahashivratri: Wishes and Messages
1. May Lord Shiva banish all difficulties from your life. Happy Maha Shivratri!
2. May divine glory remind you of your abilities and help you achieve success. Happy Maha Shivratri!
3. May the blessings of Lord Shiva always remain with you and your family. Happy Maha Shivratri!
4. This Maha Shivratri, may Lord Shiva destroy all your pains and remove all problems to help you lead a happy and healthy life. Happy Maha Shivratri!
5. May Lord Shiva bless you with good health, happiness and prosperity. Happy Maha Shivratri!
6. May Lord Shiva guide you and your family all your life! Happy Maha Shivratri!
7. May you receive the choicest blessings of Lord Shiva on the auspicious day of Maha Shivratri.
8. A day when positivity defeats negativity. Happy Maha Shivratri!
9. May Lord Shiva give power and strength to all who face difficulties. Happy Maha Shivratri!
10. May happiness and peace surround you and your loved ones. Happy Maha Shivratri!
So, now you may need to know the history behind the celebration of the auspicious Maha Shivratri festival and its significance.
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Source: ptivs2.edu.vn