Family  Discussion Forum

What is the legend behind Mahashivratri festival? Why is Mahashivratri significant for women? How to perform Mahashivratri Puja? Hitesh replied. Mahashivratri is the night of Shiva and one of the most auspicious days dedicated to Lord Shiva. People fast for the entire day. On this day after bathing, visiting a Shiva temple is a must. offerings of milk, bhaang (hemp leaves) and Bel leaves are made. Bathing of the Shivalingam and the different offerings are said to have their unique meanings. Smearing Sindoor and bathing the lingam with milk signifies sanitisation of the soul, offering of fruits represent a long life and fulfilment of desires while lighting of a lamp signifies achievement of knowledge. Perform the puja at regular intervals and keep chanting Shiva mantras.
Soumya replied. Festival of Mahashivaratri has tremendous significance in Hinduism. This day is considered especially auspicious for women. Married and unmarried women observe fast and perform Shiva Puja with sincerity to appease Goddess Parvati , one who bestows marital bliss and long and prosperous married life. Married women pray for the well being of their husbands and sons and unmarried girls observe fast for a good husband like Lord Shiva. Worship of Lord Shiva with devotion and sincerity absolves a devotee of past sins. He is also liberated from the cycle of birth and death and attains moksha or salvation. Divya replied. There are many legends surrounding the festival of shivaratri. The most common one being is that on Shivratri, Lord Shiva became swallowed the deadly poison that came up during the churning of \" Kshir Sagar\" . Lord shiva held the poison in His neck, which turned blue due to the effect of poison and hence He is also known as ‘Neelkantha’ or having blue throat. Shivratri is a day of thanksgiving to the Lord for protecting the universe from annihilation. It is also believed that Lord Shiva was married to Devi Parvati on Shivratri. There is also a legend that Shiva appeared in form of ‘Lingam’ exactly at midnight on Maha Shivratri. So Shiva devotees keep vigil during the night of Shivratri and do \" Shivlingam abhishekham\"