HISTORY OF MAHA SHIVARATRI
Maha Shivaratri is a major Hindu festival celebrated in honor of the god Shiva. It also refers to the night when Lord Shiva performs the heavenly dance of creation, preservation, and destruction. There are 12 Shivaratris in a year; however, Maha Shivaratri is especially auspicious. This night marks the convergence of Shiva and Shakti, which means the masculine and feminine energies that balance the world.
In Hinduism, this is a solemn festival marking the overcoming of darkness and ignorance in life. It is reserved for introspection and leaving behind things that come in the way of success and growth. It is a day where one can work towards letting go of sins, embarking on a journey of righteousness, and ultimately attain moksha on judgment day.
The celebrations take place across India according to the customs dictated in the region. Many people celebrate early in the morning, while some perform puja all night. Devotees even observe a day-long fast, only breaking it the next day after a bath. This fast is more of a test of one’s determination rather than to attain blessings. In 1864, Alexander Cunningham documented a fair and dance festival on Maha Shivaratri that took place at Khajuraho Shiva temples, involving Shaiva pilgrims camped over miles around the temple complex.
Outside India, Nepal also celebrates Maha Shivaratri, and it is, in fact, a national Holiday. The main celebration takes place in the Pashupatinath temple. Even in Pakistan, the Hindus visit Shiva temples, and the most important festival is the three-day affair in the Umerkot Shiv Mandir.
Maha Shivaratri is thus an extremely sacred day to Hindus across the globe and is observed with much enthusiasm. -nationaltoday.com
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