MAHASHIVARATHRI

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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