Mahashivratri, meaning ‘Great Night of Shiva’, is a pure festival of Hinduism celebrated worldwide. The festival is devoted to Shiva, the deity of Hinduism. Let’s explore the devotion and symbolism to mark the significance of Mahashivratri 2024.
Mahashivratri marks the auspicious night of Shiva’s marriage to Parvati. The union symbolizes creation and destruction, stillness and movement, and balance for everyone’s well-being.
Lord Shiva performed the Cosmic dance (Tandava) for the continuous creation, preservation, and destruction. Mahashivratri is the triumph of light over darkness and declining negativity from life.
Shiva consumed the poison Halahala that emerged during the Samudra Manthan to protect the world from destruction and achieved the title Neelkantha (blue-throat). Shiva is the protector and saviour.
Devotees go through spiritual growth and introspection on the day of Mahashivratri. They observe prayers, fast, chant mantras, visit Shiva temple, and enjoy prasadam. Mahashivratri means gaining knowledge, liberation, and attaining the inner self.
The celebration of Mahashivratri takes place in different forms. Devotees offer abhisheka to Shivalings and enjoy night-long devotional songs for Shiva Baraat (Jagran) to celebrate the Mahashivratri.