1. Mahashivratri Observances
2. Energy Surge
3. Adi Guru & Kailash Parvat
4. Samudra Manthan
5. The Most Auspicious Day
This year, Shivratri falls on the 21st of February, and we’re just mere days away from it. This is one Indian festival that almost all Indian states observe to varying degrees. There are many stories behind the origin of this auspicious festival, however the most famous story about Shivratri is that it is said to the day that signifies the union of Shiva & Shakti, in fact it is said that Lord Shiva married Parvati on Shivratri. While India gears up to celebrate Mahashivratri 2020, we thought of bringing to you 5 interesting facts about how and why Shivratri is celebrated.
1. Mahashivratri Observances
We’re sure you know that there are special poojas and rituals and even specific recipes that are prepared on this holy day. Single women also observe rigorous fasts on Shivratri as Shiva was said to be an ideal husband and legend has it that fasting on this day will help one attain a husband as great as Lord Shiva himself. Married women fast on Shivratri for the health and longevity of their husbands.
2. Energy Surge
For long, ancient gurus have believed that due to the positions of the various celestial bodies, there’s a natural surge in energy levels in the human body. Some say that there’s an upward movement of energy, like what we aim to achieve with yoga and meditation, that naturally happens on the night of Shivratri.
3. Adi Guru & Kailash Parvat
As per some teachings, Shivratri is also the day that Lord Shiva became one with the Kailash Parvat. Or in other words, he became a mountain or very still. In Hinduism, Shiva is worshipped as Adi Yogi or Adi Guru, from whom all wisdom and knowledge itself originated. So for some ascetics, Shivratri also signifies attaining the highest form of self-actualisation and becoming “still”.
4. Samudra Manthan
We’re sure you may have heard this story at least in passing. This story revolves around how Lord Shiva saved the world from a poison so toxic, that it would destroy all creation. Legend has it that both Asuras and Devas combined their efforts to churn the oceans to obtain Amrit, the essence of immortality. But in the process, many objects were released into the world, including Halahala, the aforementioned poison. To save all from harm and to protect the universe, Lord Shiva consumed the poison himself and thus earning the title Neelakant, from the poison discoloring his throat.
5. The Most Auspicious Day
As per customs, every fourteenth day of the lunar calendar is observed as the day of Lord Shiva. And thus there are at least 12 each year. Mahashivratri falls between Feb-March is the holiest Shivratri. For those on a spiritual path, this day is very significant as an energy surge is expected to occur.