What is the speciality of Maha Shivaratri?
One of our important festivals is Maha Shivaratri. It is the most beloved festival of Lord Shiva. Every year, Magha Bahula Chaturdashi is celebrated as Shivaratri. Every month, Krishna Chaturdashi is Shivaratri. Even though prayers are offered on that day, Maha Shivaratri is even more special. It is considered the most special and sacred. Now we will know What is the speciality of Maha Shivaratri.
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What is the specialty of Maha Shivaratri?
Devotees believe that if they fast and stay awake on the day of Shivaratri, at least some of the karma accumulated through sins will be destroyed. They wake up early in the morning, take a bath, and worship Lord Shiva with flowers and fruits. Every temple is crowded. There is no need to mention the Shiva temples. The crowd of devotees is so large that even if you pour sand, it will not fall. Lord Shiva is worshipped with milk abhishekam and puja. On the day of Mahashivratri, all the Shaivite places are filled with devotional feelings with the remembrance of Shiva. Mahashivratri is the most favorite day of Shiva and his devotees.
Speciality of Maha Shivaratri is.. According to our Hindu legends, it is said that on the occasion of Mahashivratri, just as the marriage of Shiva and Parvati took place, the Linga was born on the same day. While Param Shiva represents the male, Parvati represents Mother Nature. The day of Mahashivratri represents the combination of energy and consciousness, which is the root cause of creation. That is why Mahashivratri is very special.
Even if you do it unintentionally
Those who worship Shiva on the day of Mahashivratri with devotion and observe fasting and vigil initiations will be blessed with good fortune and the grace of Shiva. It is said that those who worship Lord Shiva in their hearts and observe fasts on the day of Mahashivratri will be blessed by Lord Shiva. It is believed that devotees not only worship the Supreme Lord but also start efforts to give up any addictions they may have on that day. There are many stories in the Puranas that even those who have not performed pujas for a whole year due to various reasons, if they pray to Lord Shiva on the day of Mahashivratri, they will attain the presence of Lord Shiva. It is said that even those who commit sins will attain salvation on the day of Shivaratri, even if they unintentionally follow the rules. The story of Gunanidhi is proof of this.
The Story of Gunanidhi
Born in a Brahmin family, ‘Gunanidhi’ is not interested in any rituals. He becomes accustomed to all the vices. Having fallen in all kinds of ways, he fasts on Mahashivratri, not willingly, but because he cannot find food. After going to the temple in the hope of getting prasad, he lights a lamp in the dark for his needs. He stays there amidst the throng of devotees who are keeping vigil and unexpectedly dies in the presence of Shiva and thus attains salvation. The greatness of Shivaratri is so great.
Why vigil?
It is believed that sins are also removed by vigil, and one attains a virtuous life. Why is it mandatory to perform vigil on Maha Shivaratri? That is, why do you not sleep? The scholars have answered the questions like this. On the day of Maha Shivaratri, by worshipping God with devotion and remembering Lord Shiva, one attains peace and tranquility. On the night of Maha Shivaratri, all the famous Shaivite temples, remembering the name of Shiva, anoint the beloved Shiva. Rudrabhishekams and Bilvarchanas continue. Celebrate Mahashivratri by chanting the name of Shiva, saying “Hara Hara Mahadeva Shambho Shankara,” as a festival that removes darkness from life and fills it with light, a festival where Shivayya’s blessings are abundant!
Salvation is Attained
Another speciality of Maha Shivaratri is.. According to the Garuda, Padma, Skanda, and Agni Puranas, those who fast on the day of Mahashivratri should worship God with Bilva leaves. Moreover, scholars say that even those who do not know the mantras can get his blessings by simply pouring water on the Shivalinga with devotion. Many people believe that Shivayya grants protection from hell and salvation by staying awake for thousands of nights.