மகா சிவராத்திரி
Maha Shivaratri
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Maha Shivaratri (Great Night of Shiva) is one of the most important festivals for Lord Shiva devotees. Devotees observe night-long vigil, fasting, and worship.
Significance
Celebrates the night when Shiva performed the cosmic dance of creation, preservation, and destruction. Also marks the night of Shiva-Parvati's wedding.
Rituals & traditions
Night Vigil· இரவு விழிப்பு
Entire night
Staying awake all night in prayer
Shiva Abhishekam· சிவ அபிஷேகம்
Throughout night
Bathing Shivalingam with milk, honey, water
Bilva Puja· வில்வ பூஜை
During puja
Offering bilva leaves to Shiva
Fasting· விரதம்
Entire day
Complete fast or fruit diet
How to celebrate
Observe strict fast. Visit Shiva temples. Perform or witness abhishekam with milk, curd, honey. Offer bilva leaves. Stay awake all night chanting "Om Namah Shivaya".
When it happens
14th day of Krishna Paksha in Maasi (February-March)
Tags
- #shivaratri
- #shiva
- #maasi
- #night
- #fasting
- #lingam