Importance of ShivRatri 2025
Hindu religion is known for celebrating and observing many festivals and Mahashivratri is one of the many festivals celebrated by Hindus in fact it is one of the most important festival celebrated by Hindus. This festival is dedicated to Lord Shiva. On this festival people keep fast for the entire day to please Lord Shiva and they also perform prayers in Shiva temples. Let’s explore the stories and meaning behind this sacred festival.
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The Story Behind Mahashivratri
Many stories are associated with the celebration of Maha ShivRatri, lets know about a few of them;
Shiv Parvati Wedding
One of the most popular story related to the celebration of ShivRatri is the story of the wedding of Shiva and Parvati. It was on this day that the Lord of Destruction got married to Parvati who is the daughter of Himalaya. It is because of this reason that people see this festival as the union of Shiva and Shakti. In many places devotees organize the event of Shiv baraat as well.
The Story of the Poison from the Ocean
Another story is related to the event of Samudra Manthan. Once Gods and Demon decided to churn the milk ocean to get nectar from the ocean so that they can become immortal however instead of nectar a very deadly poison emerged from the ocean. The poison was called “KalaKoot”. To protect this world from the destruction of that poison Lord Shiva drank the poison and placed it in his throat and because of this his throat turned blue in color and he popularly became to be known as “Neelkanth”. Mahashivratri is celebrated to remember Shiva’s great sacrifice for the world since it was on this very day when Shiva drank the deadly poison.
To know more about the various incarnations of Lord Shiva, read our blog here
The Appearance of the Shiva Lingam
One more story as per Shiva Purana goes like this, once an argument started between Brahma Dev and Lord Vishnu as to who is more powerful and who is worthy of being worshipped first, when they didn’t reach a conclusion a huge pillar of light appeared before them. The pillar demanded from both of them to find the starting and the end of the pillar however neither of them was able to find its beginning or end. Later Lord Shiva appeared from the pillar of light and told them that he is the supreme being and he only created Vishnu and Brahma. Since it was on this day that the first jyotirlinga of Shiva appeared people started celebrating it as Maha ShivRatri.
How is Mahashivratri 2025 Celebrated?
The rituals to celebrate MahaShivratri are as follows;
Fasting: Many people keep fast on this day and do not eat food or even eat simple meals on this day. People show such a devotion to please Lord Shiva.
Abhishek (Bathing the Shiva Lingam): After taking bath in the morning devotees visit Shiva temples and offer milk, honey, water, and bel leaves on the Shiva Lingam.
Chanting ‘Om Namah Shivaya’: To please Shiva and seek his blessings people keep chanting Om Namah Shivaya.
Night-long Vigil: Many stay awake all night, singing bhajans (devotional songs) and meditating.