Shivarathri means auspicious night. It is the
fourteenth day of the lunar fortnight, when the moon is waning and the sun is
the sign of Aquarius. The festival is however, related to the moon rather than
sun. That is the reason why it is called Shivrathri.(the night of Shiva)
Shivarathri is celebrated in all Shiva
temples. Among the festival days, Maha Shivarathri is of exceptional
importance. On Maha Shivarathri God is in close proximity to man.
One of the mythological stories is that Lord
Shiva had the poison “Kalakood” to save the universe and the Devas spent a
sleepless night in fasting and prayer around him on Shivarathri day. People
believe that one’s sins will be washed off by spending a sleepless night in
fasting and prayer.
As this night precedes the new moon, it will
be pitch dark everywhere outside, the heart will be filled with blessings on
this sacred night. That is why this is observed as Shivarathri. Though the
entire world is dark outside, if one keeps his heart filled with divine thoughts,
he will be filled with blessings.
We have Maha Shivarathri once a year, but Shivarathri
every month id dedicated to the worship of Shiva. It is not this night alone
that you should spend in the thought of Shiva. Your whole life must be lived in
the constant presence of the lord. This is the night devoted to the chanting of
the sacred name of Shiva.
Holy days like Shivarathri are marked out in
order to impress upon the mind of man his duty to impose control on his senses
and vigilance on his intelligence to keep away from all worldly desires.
Immerse your mind in good thoughts and world
will be good. This is the message of Shivarathri.
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