Mahashivratri: The Chronicles of God Shiva

He is known as the ascetic god, yet Mahashivratri is celebrated to seek blessings for a happy and prosperous conjugal life. He was a minimalist, yet his worshippers request and love him for the generous boons he showers. He is known for his wisdom but funnily enough, regarded as the innocent god (Bholenath)- such is the glory of God Shiva.

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  Just like his personality, there are several different beliefs regarding the festival, which falls on the 13thday of the waning moon of the month of Phalgun . Some believe that on this day Lord Shiva performed the Tandav nritya and according to others, he drank poison from Samudra Manthan. However, the most popular belief behind this festival is that it marks the wedding day of God Shiva and goddess Parvati and the reason why both couples and singles pray for a happy married life on this day. Among different reasons and traditions, what remains unchanged is the fervour and the dedication with which worshippers all over the country celebrate Mahashivratri. Devotees observe a fast on Shivratri and worship the Shiva Linga with milk, fruits, bael leaves and water. The whole day is mostly spent chanting shlokas and singing bhajans. For years,I have seen Shiva temples in the neighbourhood turn into important pilgrimage siteswith innumerable people coming and offering their prayers to the lord.

  The festivity at major Shiva temples in India makes for quite an enchanting and incredible spectacle. In Himachal Pradesh, which is known to be the state of Parvati, a week-long Mandi Shivratri Fair is organised in Mandi town. During the week, devotees from all over the state come to worship Lord Shiva. Amazingly there are around 80 temples dedicated to different deities in this small town on the bank of River Baes. In Nepal too, Mahashivratri is celebrated with pujas and other rituals. Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh is one of the prime destinations to celebrate Shivratri. The devotees here observe fasts on two days and gather at the Mahakaleshwar Temple (one of the 12 jyotirlings) for an elating experience. In the South Indian states of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Andhra Pradesh, the festival is celebrated as the day of manifestation of Lord Shiva’s dance and is marked by singing and dancing all through the day. In Kerala’s Kadapra Kainikkara Temple, a procession of several boats, beautifully decorated elephants and folk music continues till the market junction. A complete contrast from the celebrations in northern India! One country, one festival. But many different ways of celebrating Mahashivratri.