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A night of
vigil for Lord Shiva Mahashivaratri, which is celebrated on
February 16 (Friday) this year, is about worshipping Lord
Shiva, whose appeal is strong and persistent in equal
measure among all sections of the society. Most Hindu
festivals are celebrated during daytime but Shivaratri is
all about keeping a night-long vigil as it’s believed that
Lord Shiva saved the universe from darkness and ignorance.
The 14th day of every month (Krishna Chaturdasi) is called
Shivaratri, but the one in the month of Magha is called
Mahashivaratri as it is considered to be the greatest of
all. On this day, Lord Shiva drank poison (haalahala)
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by the
churning of the ocean of milk and, by doing so, saved the
universe. Also on this day, He married Goddesses Parvathi
and performed Shiva Tandava Nritya, which is recorded in the
Natyashastra.
The main themes of this festival are ahimsa, satya,
compassion and forgiveness. Following these principles, as
also fasting and jagrana (keeping vigil in the night) are
the main features of this festival.
On this day, the Linga, which signifies Lord Shiva, is
bathed in panchamrutha (a mixture of milk, curds, ghee,
sugar and honey) and worshipped amidst vedic hymns (chanting
of rudra mantra), bael leaves (bhilwapatre) and flowers. The
next morning, the fast is broken.
The festival is observed by practicing Ahimsa, Satya,
Compassion, Forgiveness and absence of jealousy. A day long
(sunrise to sunrise) fast and "Jaagran" (all night vigil)
are other features of Maha Shivaratri.
On this day, devotees perform rudrahoma (rudrayaga) at
temples and homes. People prepare delicious food items as
naivedya to Lord Shiva. By worshipping the Lord, one can
attain peace and prosperity, for He forgives the sins we
commit in our life.
On Shivaratri, Lord Shiva drank poison (haalahala ) produced
by the churning of the ocean of milk and, by doing so, saved
the universe. He also married Parvathi on this day and
performed Shiva Tandava Nritya
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