Festival
Maha Shivratri
The great night of Shiva — all-night vigil, abhishek and "Om Namah Shivaya".
Significance
Maha Shivratri, on the Krishna Chaturdashi of Phalgun/Magha, is the night Shiva is said to have performed the Tandava — the cosmic dance of creation and dissolution — and, by other traditions, the night of his marriage to Parvati. Unlike most festivals it is marked not by feasting but by fasting, stillness and vigil.
Devotees keep jaagran through the night's four prahars, bathing the Shivling with water, milk and honey, and offering bilva leaves — each trifoliate leaf a surrender of the three gunas at his feet.
How it is celebrated
- Observe a day-long fast; many take only water and fruit.
- Perform abhishek of the Shivling with water, milk, honey and bel patra.
- Chant "Om Namah Shivaya" and recite the Shiv Chalisa.
- Keep vigil through the four prahars of the night.
Prayers for Shiva
English
Shree Shiv Aarti (1)
Jaya Deva Jaya Deva Shrimangesha ।
English
Shree Shiv Aarti (2)
Om Jai Shiv Omkara, Swami Jai Shiv Omkara ।
English
Shree Shiv Aarti (3)
Lavthavati Vikrala Brahmandi Mala ।
English
Shree Shiv Chalisa
Jai Ganesh Girija Suvan,
English
Shree Shiv Mantra
Namam Meesana Nirvana Roopam,
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