Mythological Beliefs Behind Celebration Of Maha Shiva Ratri

(The Quiver) : On Maha Shiva Ratri the devotees of Lord Shiva observe a day-long fast by remaining awake all night . They perform puja during Nishita Kaal to celebrate the auspicious occasion of Maha Shivratri. The devotees break their long fast after Mahadeepa is raised atop of Lord Shiva temple. Devotees believe if someone worships Lord Shiva with pure heart and complete devotion ,Lord Shiva fulfills all his wishes.Do you know why these observations started?

Well as per Hindu mythology, from the birth of Lord Shiva to the legend of Neelkanth and marriage with Goddess Parvati, there are several stories and beliefs on why we celebrate Mahashivratri.

It is believed that after the death of goddess Sati(lord Shiva wife), Lord Shiva went into deep meditation. Goddess Sati reincarnated as Parvati. Therefore, Mahashivratri marks the union of Shiva and Parvati on the 14th day of the dark fortnight in the month of Phalguna.

According to Hindu mythology, it is also believed that Shiva performed the dance of preservation, creation and destruction on this night

However, according to some devotees , Maha Shivaratri is a thanks-giving ceremony to Lord Shiva. This mythological story says there was a time when Lord Shiva had saved the world. He drank and held the poison in his throat instead of swallowing it which turned his throat blue . In this way Lord Shiva saved our Eath from poisoning . From there, his name ‘Neelkantha’ originated.