The entire state is reeling with ecstasy on the occasion of Maha Shivarathri, or the night dedicated to Lord Shiva. This day is marked as the end of winter colds by the chaste Hindus. The entire day is dedicated to the Lord. Devotees fast the day and are awake the whole night, singing hymns and by doing prayers. In fact most Hindu families organize a divine get together on this night. Entire country celebrates this day and in Andhra Pradesh almost all the Shiva temples are filled with long queues of devotees. Devotees wake very early in the morning, daring the winter colds and visit the temples. They offer milk, honey and Panchamrutham abhishekams to the Lord.

About Maha Shivarathri: The festival falls on the moonless, 14th night of the new moon in the Hindu month of Phalgun (in the month of February - March, according to English Calendar). According to one of the most popular legends, Shivaratri is the wedding day of Lord Shiva and Parvati. It is also believed that Lord Shiva performed ‘Tandava’, the dance of the primal creation, preservation and destruction on this auspicious night of Shivaratri. According to another popular legend, described in Linga Purana, it was on Shivaratri that Lord Shiva manifested himself in the form of a Linga for the first time. Since then, the day is considered to be extremely auspicious by the devotees of Shiva and they celebrate it as Maha Shivaratri, the grand night of Shiva.

Belief: People repeat the Panchakshara Mantra ’Om Namah Shivaya’ as it is said he who utters the Names of Shiva during Shivaratri, with perfect devotion and concentration, is freed from all sins. He reaches the abode of Shiva and lives there happily. He is liberated from the wheel of births and deaths.

Wishesh team wishes all our readers a very Happy Maha Shivarathri. May the Lord bless you with all the best things in your long life.  (With inputs from internet: AarKay)