Shivratri March 2013 - Mahashivaratri on March 10, 2013

Shivratri March 2013 - Mahashivaratri on March 10, 2013

Shivratri, or Mahashivaratri, as the name indicates is the night of Lord Shiva. It is observed on the night before ‘amavasya’ in the Hindu month of Magh/Phalgun (February – March). In 2013, the date of Shivaratri is March 10.

Unlike other festivals associated with Hinduism, Shivratri is a night dedicated largely to prayers and not to celebrations. Of course, when Lord Shiva is worshipped there is bliss all around but the bliss is of Brahman realization.

The importance of Shivaratri is closely associated with ‘amavasi’ (the no moon night or full dark night)). Amavasi symbolically represents Kaliyuga. Lord Shiva appeared just before the beginning of Kaliyuga to rid the world of evil and ignorance, which is symbolically represented through Amavasi. Therefore Mahashivratri is celebrated to get rid of evil and ignorance.

On the Shivratri day, Lord Shiva is worshipped in a special form of Linga called ‘Lingodabhavamurti.’ It is a lingam in the form of fire which has neither a beginning nor an end. It must be noted here that ‘linga’ means ‘sign.’ And it is merely an attempt to capture the formless or Brahman.

There are numerous legends and myths associated with Shivratri, which is mainly found the Puranas associated with Shiva. An important myth is that Shivaratri is the birthday of Lord Shiva – this is because the formless Lord Shiva appeared for the first time in the form of Lingodabhavamurti or Jyotirlinga before Lord Vishnu and Brahma.

Other important myths include that of Tandava, the consummation of poison during the churning of ocean (Samudramanthan), hunter accidentally dropping the leaves of bilva, the loss of importance of Ketki flower, which is now only offered during Shivratri.

Incidentally, there is a Shivratri in each month of the Hindu calendar. This is known as Masa Shivratri and is observed by staunch Shiva devotees.

Another important Shivratri in the year is during Shravan month (July - August). 

What to do on Shivaratri day?

I find most people asking how to celebrate Shivaratri? Shivratri is the day when rituals and worship are given more importance. There is no fun or merrymaking as in other Hindu festivals.

It is a day of renunciation and prayer. It is a day to realize the Brahmn and cleanse ignorance. Lord Shiva appeared in the form of Jyotirlinga on this day. A lingam which had no end and beginning and it symbolizes Brahman.

It is said that one should practice non-violence on this day. Then are things like not to lie, strict brahmacharya, be compassionate etc. But these things should be practiced on all days. So one need not wait for Shivaratri to be compassionate.

Generally most people fast on Shivaratri day by uttering the panchakshari mantra – ‘om namah shivaya.’ Next is keeping vigil all night by worshipping Lord Shiva. Worshipping Shiva with Bilva leaves is considered highly auspicious.

If you have a Shivling at home you can keep on bathing it at night with milk, curd, sugar, honey and ghee. But I guess this would be hard for a devotee to do. So, simple water will do. Remember, Shiva accepts anything when given with utmost devotion.

If you are unable to observe fast or keep vigil during night, you can observe the day by chanting ‘om namah shivaya.’