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Why and when celebrated?
Mahashivratri Festival stands very important for the devotees of the Lord Shiva. Mahashivratri menas ‘The Night of Shiva’ which literally means the whole night dedicated for the worship of God Shiva. Mahashivaratri falls on the the 14th night of the new moon during Krishna Paksha in the Hindu month of Phalgun. The Sanskrit term, Krishna Paksha means the period of waning moon or the dark fortnight and Phalguna corresponds to the month of February - March in English Calendar. Shivaratri Festival is celebrated on a moonless night.
Significance of Shivratri
Festival of Mahashivaratri is the most important festival for the millions of devotees of Lord Shiva. The festival has been accorded lot of significance in Hindu mythology. It says that a devotee who performs sincere worship of Lord Shiva on the auspicious day of Shivratri is absolved of sins and attains moksha.
Legends of Mahashivratri
There are several legends which are associated with Mahashivratri. Two most popular legends are presented here.
The marriage of Shiva & Parvati:
King Daksha (Sati’s father), opposed Sati's marriage with Shiva. At a yagna (holy sacrifice) at his place the king ignored Shiva’s presence in front of the guests. Sati could not bear the humiliation and she jumped into the sacrificial fire and ended her life. When Shiva collected her ashes, he could only express his deep pain and grief through a violent dance called the Tandav. Terrifying all creation he danced around the earth seven times. Unable to console Shiva, the Gods resolved they would revive Sati. Sati was reborn as Parvati, daughter of King Himavat who lived in the Himalayas.
Shiva had renounced the world and in Mount Kailash he began a hard penance. Immersed in meditation, Shiva was immune to the presence of Parvati (daughter of the mountains).Parvati asked Madan/Kama the God of love for help. He told her to dance in front of Shiva.
While Parvati danced, Madan shot an arrow laced by flowers at Shiva, whose penance broke. When Shiva opened his eyes Parvati was his first vision. Shiva too began to dance with Parvati and as the gods watched the couple in bliss; their fears were laid to rest.
Parvati lured Shiva into marriage and away from asceticism. He became a householder and she became his shakti, the creative force of the cosmos.
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