Mahashivaratri, a Great Night of Shiva, is the most significant festival in India’s spiritual calendar. The fourteenth day of every lunar month or the day before the new moon is called Shivaratri. Of all the twelve Shivaratri in a calendar year, Mahashivratri, which occurs in February-March, has the most spiritual significance.
On this night, the Northern Hemisphere of the planet is positioned in such a way that the natural energy in humans rises. This is the day when nature pushes one to spiritual heights. To capitalise on this, we have instituted a special night-long festival in this tradition. This natural rise of energy allows them to find their way.
Mahashivaratri festival is very important for people on a spiritual path. It is very important for people in a family situation and worldly ambitious people. The worldly aspirants see Shivaratri as the day when Lord Shiva defeated all his enemies.
Shivratri festival has a special place in Hindu celebrations. It is believed that by worshipping Lord Shiva with devotion to Maha Shivaratri, sorrows will be removed and happiness will be attained and one will be loved by Lord Shiva. Therefore, on Maha Shivaratri, one should pray to Shiva with devotion through fasting and vigil with a pure mind. It is said in Shiva Purana that if one Maha Shivaratri Vrata is observed, one will get the fruits equal to a thousand Ekadashi Vratas and the merits of liberation in Kashi.
Worshipping Lord Shiva (Mukkanna) and keeping vigil on Shivratri also has meaning. In the middle of the night, Shiva and Parvati got welfare. Three worlds will keep vigil for this wedding. For this reason, it is said that one should not sleep on that day and keep a vigil on Maha Shivratri. Moreover, we should wait for Shiva, who waits for us all for a year, even for a day. It is also said that on Maha Shivratri, Lord Shiva comes from Kailasa to Bhuloka(world) to greet the devotees, so he should be welcomed with devotion and wholeheartedly.
