Mahashivarathiri

Today is an auspicious day for all the believer's of Lord Shiva. Sanskrit word "Shiva"  means"auspicious, kind, gracious". He is the god of Yogis.Shiva is the most powerful god of the Hindu pantheon and one of the godhead's in the Hindu Trinity. The festival is called as "Mahashivarathiri", the Great Night of Shiva. Mahashivaratri falls on the 13th day of the dark half of Phalgun.Maha Shivaratri is traditionally celebrated with a series of elaborate pujas.

• Sanitization of the soul is represented by a bath given to the Shiva lingam with rose water, milk, honey and bilva leaves.
• Vermilion paste applied to the Shiv lingam is symbolic of a good feature.
• Offering of fruits made to the Shiv lingam represents long life and fulfillment of desires.
• Prosperity is produced by the burning of incense sticks.
• The lighting of the lamp means achievement of knowledge.
• Offering of Vilvam leaves portrays happiness

History behind Mahashivarathri 


The ritual culminates in the marriage of Shiva and Parvati (Shakti), which is symbolic union of consciousness and matter – the dance of universal creation.Lord Shiva appeared in the form of linga in front of Brahma and Vishnu on this day.By observing fast on this day and praying Lord Shiva, you can get benefits that one gets after one year of rigorous prayer.Legend says, Shiva once said that whoever worships him and Parvati's statue on this day will be very dearer to him.



Importance

Both Men and Women observe the fast of Shivaratri with immense faith, married women observe the fast for the well being of their family and unmarried girls observe fast for a good husband like Lord Shiva, he is considered as an ideal husband.


Lingam Symbol – True meaning


There has been significant misinterpretation on Lingam symbol by westerner's, that even Merriam -Webster  dictionary defines it as a stylized phallic symbol. This is not only a serious mistake, but also a grave blunder.Linga actually means a “mark” in Sanskrit, more accurately, a differentiating mark.. It is certainly not the sex-mark.


Lingam represents the beginningless and endless, symbolizing the infinite nature of Shiva.


The Shivalingam denotes the primeval energy of the Creator. The Shivalingam is also a representation of the infinite Cosmic Column of fire, whose origins, Vishnu and Bhrama were unable to trace. Shivalingams in several temples are swayambus, or that which appeared on their own. On the other hand, there are temples where the Shivalingam is carved out of stone and installed.The upper portion of Shivalingam may be of various shapes,cylindrical,elliptical,umberalla shaped.Images may also be rarely carved on a Shivalingam.  



Wishing all a happy, pious Mahashivarathiri !!!