|| Shree Ganeshay Namah ||
Festival devoted to Lord Shiva
When?
Mahashivaratri is an Indian festival dedicated to Shiva and his wife Parvati. The date and time is as per the lunar calendar in the month of Magha and on the thirteenth day from the full moon (Magha Krishna Trayodashi).
After Vasantapachami (marking start of spring season in India), trees start the flowering season. Mango tree is full with blossom termed as mohor. This mohor and kavath is used to devote to Mahadeva or God of the gods – Shiva.
As a custom, from the night before mahashivratri, devotees do the fasting and release the fasting by taking a morning bath at a river or at the sea. It is considered auspicious.
Customs during the festivities
If you have a mahadev pinda at home or if there is a shivalinga in a temple nearby, devotees offer milk, water and belapatra to the god. It is said that these are favorites of shiva. After offering, meditate and chant the mantra that praise God Shiva.
After mediation, offer shiva gandham, bela and white flowers and perform milk abhishek. Use 1, 11, 21, 51 or 101 bela leaves (bunch of 3 leaves – tridala) and remember shiva or say “Aum Namah Shivay” or I offer prayers to God Shiva.
Shiva and Shakti
This day is very special because it marks coming together of Shiva and Shakti, the husband and wife which are considered Supreme God and Goddess as per Hindu Mythology.