Maha Shivaratri

Maha Shivaratri

Once upon a time, there was a hunter named Suswara. One day, he was wandering in the forest in search of a prey. Suddenly, he saw a deer and ran after it. But the deer ran faster and disappeared in the thicket. Even before the hunter could realise, he had entered into the densest part of the forest.

And then he heard a horrifying growl. There was a tiger standing behind him. The hunter ran as fast as he could and climbed up a nearby tree. The tiger followed him and stood at the foot of the tree. The hunter was forced to stay on the tree. Slowly, the night descended. Now the hunter was worried about his wife and children who were waiting for him. ‘Oh, my family must be starving,’ he thought. Tears rolled down his eyes.

He felt tired and sleepy, but could not sleep, as he feared that he would fall down if he close his eyes. To ensure that he does not fall asleep, the hunter started plucking the leaves of the tree upon which he was sitting. One by one he plucked the leaves and tossed them down. The hunter did not know that there was a Shiva Linga at the foot of the tree. The tree on which he was sitting was a Bilva (Bael) tree. Without realising it, the hunter kept throwing the Bilva leaves upon the Shiva Linga!

He kept awake throughout the night, weeping bitterly for his poor family. His tears fell upon the Linga and washed it. The hungry hunter did not eat anything for the whole night. In the morning when the tiger had left, the hunter came down. But he was startled at what he saw. Lord Shiva was standing in front of him, smiling! The hunter was overwhelmed. He prostrated before the Lord. As a reward for his unwary worship, Lord Shiva blessed him with the supreme salvation, the freedom from the cycle of birth and death.

That was the night of Shivaratri. Even today it is believed that whoever fasts and keeps awake, and worships Lord Shiva with 'Bilva' leaves on the night of Shivaratri, attains heavenly bliss. Shivaratri is also known as Maha Shivaratri in many parts of the country. It is one of the unique festivals of the Hindus since it is celebrated at night, unlike other festivals. The name itself suggests 'The Night of Shiva'. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Shiva married Parvati on this day.

The festival falls on the 13th (or 14th) day of the dark half of Phalguna (February-March). Devotees observe a strict fast on this day. Some people refrain from taking even a drop of water. They sing devotional songs in praise of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. The chanting of the mantra 'Om Namah Shivaya' purifies the atmosphere.

This mantra is also known as the Panchakshari mantra. As the night falls, people, especially women flock at the local temples to offer combined worship. They keep awake through the night. Some people establish the Shiva Linga at their home, in separate rooms meant for the purpose. Throughout the night, the Shiva Linga and the idols of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati are washed with milk, curd, honey, and rose water. The most important ritual is the offering of 'Bilva' leaves to the Shiva Linga. It is believed that the Bilva leaves are very sacred as the Goddess of Wealth, Lakshmi, resides in them.

Devotees chant hymns in praise of Lord Shiva with great zeal and devotion. Some famous hymns are the 'Shiva Mahimna Stotra' and the 'Shiva

Tandava Stotra'. Many people like to go on a pilgrimage to the places where there are famous Shiva temples. At the Shivananda Ashram, Rishikesh, the festival of Shivaratri is observed with great pomp and show. A grand 'yagna' (sacrificial fire) is performed for the peace and welfare of all. The devotees meditate upon the Lord. The religious ceremony ends at sunrise the next day, with a feast to break the fast.

Such great is the significance of observing Shivaratri that whoever worships the Lord with perfect devotion and concentration is said to reach the abode of Lord Shiva. He is freed from all sins and desires. Thus liberated from the wheel of births and deaths, he is able to attain supreme salvation.