Maha Shivratri

Maha Shivratri

Maha Shivratri is predominantly a Hindu festival, celebrated annually in honour of Lord Shiva, the God of destruction. Shivratri is celebrated in every month of the luni-solar calendar, in accordance with the Hindu calendar but once a year, in late winter Maha Shivratri is celebrated to commemorate the oncoming summer. On this day devotees of Lord Shiva, observe a day-long fast, remain awake all night and perform puja during Nishita Kaal to celebrate the auspicious occasion of Maha Shivratri. On Mahashivratri night there is a natural upsurge of energies within the human system. ... Staying awake throughout the night with a vertical spine posture may lead to benefits for not only those on religious paths like yogis etc but others as well. Lord Shiva holds a 3rd eye which is the basis of all the realities. Maha Shivaratri is celebrated over three or ten days based on the Hindu luni-solar calendar. Every lunar month, there is a Shivaratri (12 per year).

According to Indian Mythology, in the midnight of Maha Shivaratri, Lord Shiva appeared in form of Linga. Hence, Maha Shivaratri is known as the birthday of Lord Shiva. The Chaturdashi Tithi during Krishna Paksha in the month of Magha is known as Maha Shivaratri according to the South Indian calendar.