Mahashivratri the Significance Of India’s Most Celebrated Festival
Although every day is auspicious for worshiping Shiva, Sawan, Monday, Shivratri, and Mahashivratri have special significance. Shivratri falls on Chaturdashi Tithi of Krishna Paksha every month. Still, Mahashivratri falls on Chaturdashi Tithi of Krishna Paksha of Phalgun month, which is celebrated with great gaiety and devotion by the devotees of Mahadev.
On the day of Mahashivratri, Shiva devotees observe a fast and do Jagran during the night to seek the blessings of their adoration. Let us know what the difference between Shivratri and Mahashivratri is. Shiva Parvati Wood Carving is one of the beautiful statues of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
The Distinction Between Shivratri and Mahashivratri:
- Shivratri happens every month, Mahashivratri is Shiva’s glorious night that occurs only once a year.
- Shivratri is celebrated every month on the Chaturdashi Tithi of Krishna Paksha. Pradosh is another name for it. Shivratri is celebrated on the 14th day of each lunar month. So, throughout the year, 12 Shivratris occur a day before the new moon. Devotees do puja to praise Lord Shiva at each Shivratri.
- Every month on the Chaturdashi day of Krishna Paksha, the celebration of Shivaratri is known as Monthly Shivratri.
- There are 12 Shivratris in a year. According to the Panchang, Badi Shivratri is observed when Chaturdashi falls in the month of Savan. In this sense, Sawan Shivratri, in addition to every Shivratri, has particular importance. On Shivratri, it is also recognized that we are all a part of Shiva and are under his protection.
- The most important of the 12 Shivratris is Mahashivratri. It takes place on the Chaturdashi of Krishna Paksha in the month of Falgun. Devotees commemorate the day with great dedication and enthusiasm.
- Finally, according to mythology, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati wedded on the Chaturdashi of Krishna Paksha in the month of Falgun, which is known as Mahashivratri.
Significance of Shivratri and Mahashivratri:
In Hinduism, the Mahashivaratri festival is of utmost importance. The ritual worship of Lord Shiva at the Shivratri festival, which occurs between February and March of the dark fortnight in the month of Phalgun, is said to please him the most.
When his consort Shivakami (Parvati) questioned him about which ritual carried out by his followers most pleased him, it is reported that Lord Shiva himself stated this fact. Even today, Lord Shiva’s followers still observe Shivratri with great care and devotion.
They maintain a day and night fast and bathe Shiva Linga in holy liquids such as milk, honey, and water. Hindus think that worshipping Lord Shiva on Shivaratri is very auspicious because they feel that doing so with commitment and sincerity cleanses a devotee of previous misdeeds.
The follower arrives at Lord Shanker’s house and settles down there contentedly. He achieves moksha, or salvation, and is freed from the cycle of life and death.
Women also view the Mahashivratri Festival as being one of the most important holidays.
In order to satisfy Goddess Parvati, also known as “Gaura,” who bestows marital bliss and a long and prosperous married life, both married and single ladies observe fast and perform Shiva Puja with seriousness. A husband like Lord Shiva, who is regarded as the perfect husband, is something that single women also pray for.
Final Words:
There are 12 Shivratri in a year and Shivratri happens every month on the Chaturdashi Tithi of Krishna Paksha. Mahashivratri is Shiva’s glorious night that occurs only once a year. On this day, Shiva devotees observe a fast and do Jagran during the night to seek the blessings of their adoration. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati wed on the Chaturdashi of Krishna Paksha in the month of Falgun, which is known as Mahashivratri. Devotees commemorate the day with great dedication and enthusiasm. Hindus think that worshipping Lord Shiva on Shivaratri is very auspicious because they feel that doing so with commitment and sincerity cleanses a devotee of previous misdeeds.