Mahashivratri, the significant Hindu festival is here, on 26th February with the devotees already in the celebratory fervor. The festival has a religious, spiritual and a cosmic divine significance dedicated to Lord Shiva, marking “overcoming darkness and ignorance.” Mahashivratri falls on the dark fortnight of Hindu Lunar Calendar’s month of Phalguna.
Everyone knows that Mahashivratri celebrates the sacred union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, but do you know that there are many other reasons too. The stories and beliefs associated with the festival, making it more significant with every other meaning behind. Get on to reading the powerful reasons behind the celebration of Mahashivratri. These are listed below:
Lord Shiva’s rhythmic Tandava
According to the Hindu mythology, it was on this day when Lord Shiva performed the Tandava. The rhythmic-cosmic dance of creation, preservation or sustenance and destruction of the universe. That’s how the eternal cycle of creation, destruction and recreation works.
The festival insights to a deeper understanding of life, the challenges and the changes through the divine dance form.
The emergence of Shiva’s Lingam
It is also believed that through the divine dance only, Shiva had manifested the Lingam as a massive column of light. ‘Linga’ is a Sanskrit word that means ‘mark’. It symbolizes the divinity of Shiva and is neither formless, nor has any form. The lingam is believed to represent the universe, and the five elements that form it: Earth, water, air, fire and the space. Originally, it was in the shape of an egg, representing the universe. As mentioned in the Shiva Purana, Shiva emerged from the Lingam in order to prove his worth to Brahma and Vishnu.
There is also another story in the Panchakritya that Shiva was cursed by sage Bhrigu to be worshipped in the form of linga.
Shiva and Parvati’s sacred union
As mentioned in the Hindu mythological scriptures, the Mahashivratri is celebrated marking the union of Shiva and Parvati. It was when Lord Shiva had gone into a profound meditation at Kailash. Then, Goddess Parvati embarked on a rigorous journey to win his heart. Her unwavering devotion moved Shiva from his deep unwavering meditation, the two then uniting in a sacred marital bond.
Associated with this is another story. It is believed that Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati got married at the Shri Mallikarjuna Swami Jyotirlinga temple at Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh. Here only, Shiva performed the divine and cosmic Tandava.
Victory of good over evil
Mahashivratri also symbolizes the victory of the good over evil, of light over darkness. It is believed that on the evening of Mahashivratri, when Lord Shiva conquered over the demon Tripurasura, the demon of ignorance and ego. Shiva fired a single arrow (named Pashupatastra) when the three cities of Tripura located in the underworld, heaven and Earth, which were owned by Tripurasura were floating in the air. The shot not only destroyed the three cities, but also killed Tripurasura. After this act, Shiva began to be known as Tripurantaka.
The savior of the world
It is known as the Mahashivratri is the festival to honor Lord Shiva, the savior of the world. It was during the Samudra Manthan, i.e. the churning of the ocean between Gods and demons for the sacred nectar, when a lot of poison was spilled. In order to save mankind from the deadly poison, Lord Shiva drank it. This is why his throat turned all blue, and he is known as ‘Neelkanth’.
It is also said that Goddess Ganga emerged from the heaven in complete force and might. In order to prevent the destruction from the holy waters, Lord Shiva had caught her in his hair locks, releasing the waters in various streams. That’s why the Lingam is bathed at night while worshipping on the occasion of Shivratri.
With Mahakumbh in its culminating days and the last snan coinciding on Mahashivratri, this time the festival becomes more significant. With the alignment of the stars and cosmic energies, the event taking place after a period of 144 years, it is considered to be a once in a lifetime moment. So let us all gather in devotion and religious spirit, to celebrate the day by fasting, offering prayers, reflecting on our inner conscience and seeking self-awareness.
