Mahashivratri 2023: Mahashivratri is one of the most auspicious festivals of Hindus which is celebrated by devotees with lots of fervor and aplomb. 

Mahashivratri is celebrated this year on 18 February (Saturday). According to Drik Panchang, the festival falls on the Chaturdashi Tithi during Krishna Paksha in the month of Magha. On this day devotees do fasting, rudra abhishek, and worship Lord Shiva to seek his blessings. Shivratri is the amalgamation 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 vanishes evil powers.

Mahashivratri: History:  As per the Puranas, several stories and legends describe the origin of the Shivratri festival.

According to one legend, a pot filled with poison rose from the sea at Samudra Manthan. The Gods and demons fled to Lord Shiva for assistance since they were scared that this would destroy the entire planet. Shiva took the entire poison and held it in his throat rather than swallowing it to safeguard the entire planet from its wicked effects. As a result, his throat turns blue, earning him the name Neelakantha. Shivratri is remembered as the occasion when Shiva rescued the world.

The Shiv Purana also tells the following tale: Once upon a time, Brahma and Vishnu were arguing over who was the superior of the two. The other Gods sought Lord Shiva's help to intervene in the conflict because they were scared. Shiva assumed the shape of a gigantic fire that engulfed the entire cosmos in order to make them realise the futility of their struggle. Due of the enormity, both Gods made the decision to seek out their own ends in order to predominate over the other. Because of this, Vishnu took the shape of Varaha and entered the earth, while Brahma assumed the form of a swan and flew skyward. But the fire has no end, and despite travelling thousands of miles in pursuit of it, they were unsuccessful. Brahma came discovered a Ketaki flower while ascending. When he inquired about her origin, Ketaki answered that she had been offered up at the top of the fiery column. Brahma came and grabbed the flower as a witness because he was unable to determine the top limit.

Mahashivratri: Wishes and Messages

May Lord Shiva guide you and your family all your life! Happy Maha Shivratri!

This Maha Shivratri 2023, may Lord Shiva destroy all your sorrow and eliminate all the troubles to help you lead a happy and healthy life. Happy Maha Shivratri!

May all the difficulties in your life be banished by Lord Shiva. Happy Maha Shivratri!

May Lord Shiva bless you with good health, happiness, and prosperity. Happy Maha Shivratri!

May the divine glory remind you of your capabilities and help you in attaining success. Happy Maha Shivratri!

May you be showered with Lord Shiva's choicest blessings on the auspicious day of Maha Shivratri.

May the blessings of Lord Shiva always stay with you and your family. Happy Maha Shivratri!

May Lord Shiva gives power and strength to everyone facing difficulties. Happy Maha Shivratri!