Maha Shivaratri
Also called: The Great Night of Shiva
Maha Shivaratri is the supreme annual celebration of Lord Shiva. It commemorates the manifestation of the cosmic Linga and the divine celestial wedding of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Millions of devotees undertake an all-night vigil (jagaran) and strict fasting.
Key facts
- Paksha
- Krishna Paksha
- Lunar month
- Phalguna (Purnimanta); Magha (Amanta)
- Observed on
- Krishna Chaturdashi of Phalguna/Magha
- Deities
- Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati
The story
The Shiva Purana recounts that on this night, Shiva manifested as a boundless pillar of fire (Lingodbhava) to settle the dispute between Brahma and Vishnu, proving that the supreme reality transcends physical dimensions. It also celebrates Shiva's wedding to Parvati, uniting consciousness and energy.
Practices
- Strict 24-hour fast and four-prahar night abhisheka with distinct dravyas (milk, curd, ghee, honey)
- Offering unbroken Bilva leaves, dhatura flowers, and bhasma
- All-night devotional singing, chanting, and meditation
- Breaking fast on the following morning after sunrise
Regional variations
- Grand night processions and fairs at all twelve Jyotirlingas, Mandi Shivaratri fair in Himachal Pradesh, and Jagannath Temple in Puri
Common questions
- Why is Bilva leaf essential on Maha Shivaratri?
- The trifoliate Bilva leaf symbolizes the three gunas (Sattva, Rajas, Tamas) and the three eyes of Shiva, representing total surrender of one's faculties.
Types of Masik Shivaratri
- Masik ShivaratriKrishna Chaturdashi prevailing at midnight
- Maha ShivaratriKrishna Chaturdashi of Phalguna/Magha