Maha Shivaratri in Nepal

Maha Shivaratri festival is a Hindu festival celebrated with devotion and religious fervor in honor of Lord Shiva, one of the deities of Hindu Trinity (Three Deities). Maha Shivaratri, which literally translates to “The Night of Shiva”. It falls in every lunary month on its 13th night/ 14th day, but once a year in late winter and new moon of February-March in English calendar.

It is a major festival in Hinduism, but that is solemn and marks a remembrance of “overcoming darkness and ignorance” in life and the world. It is celebrated by Hindu people of Asian Region. Celebrating the festival of Maha Shivaratri devotees observe day and night fast and performs ritual worship of Shiva Lingam to appease Lord Shiva.

Legends of Mahashivaratri

There are various interesting legends related to the festival of Maha Shivaratri. According to one of the most popular legends, Maha Shivaratri marks the wedding day of Lord Shiva and Parvati. Some believe that it was on the auspicious night of Shivaratri that Lord Shiva performed “Tandava”, the dance of the primal creation, preservation and destruction. Another popular Shivratri legend stated in Linga Purana states that it was on Maha Shivaratri that Lord Shiva manifested himself in the form of a Linga. Hence the day is considered to be extremely auspicious by Shiva devotees and they celebrate it as Maha Shivaratri – the grand night of Shiva.

History

According to the Shiva Purana, the Maha Shivratri worship must incorporate six items: the ceremonial offer of cooling bael leaves to the deity, representing purification of the soul; the vermilion paste applied on the linga after bathing it, representing virtue; food offering which is conducive to longevity and gratification of desires; incense, yielding wealth; the lighting of the lamp which is conducive to the attainment of knowledge; and betel leaves marking satisfaction with worldly pleasures. All through the day the devotees keep severe fast, chant the sacred Panchakshara mantra “Om Namah Shivaya “

The name Shiva does not appear in the Vedas. However he is identified with the Vedic god Rudra, lord of songs, sacrifices, nourishment, the healer of diseases and provider of property. According to the Shiva Purana Shiva is said to have five faces, corresponding to his five tasks, the panchakriya: creation, establishment, destruction, oblivion, and grace. His five faces are associated with the creation of the sacred syllable Om.

Importance

Maha Shivratri is considered especially auspicious for women. Married women pray for the well-being of their husbands and sons, while unmarried women pray for an ideal husband like Shiva, who is the spouse of Kali, Parvati and Durga. But generally, it is believed that anyone who utters the name of Shiva during Shivratri with pure devotion is freed from all sins. He or she reaches the abode of Shiva and is liberated from the cycle of birth and death.

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