Mahashivratri 2023: An annual Hindu festival called Mahashivratri is celebrated every year in honor of Lord Shiva. This is one of the most auspicious Hindu festivals, and devotees celebrate it with great fervor and fanfare. One of the most famous deities is Lord Shiva. He is the supreme deity of the Trimurti, the sculptor, protector and modifier of the universe. His depiction in Hindu mythology remains significant and applicable in the modern world.
Mahashivratri 2023: Date & Time
According to Drik Panchang, the festival takes place on Chaturdashi Tithi, in Krishna Paksha in the month of Magha. This year’s Mahashivratri festival will be celebrated on Saturday, February 18, 2023. On February 18 at 20:02, Chaturdashi Tithi will begin and last until 16:18 on February 19. Meanwhile, The first Ratri Prahar Puja will be scheduled on February 18, starting at 6:13 pm and lasting until 9:24 pm.
Mahashivratri 2023: When is Shivratri, Date, Time, Meaning, Wishes, Messages etc.
What is the story behind the celebration of Mahashivratri?
The festival of Mahashivratri celebrates the union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. In addition, it is also celebrated as the day Shiva saved the world from the poison pot and the struggle for supremacy between Brahma and Vishnu. Let’s explore the circumstances of Mahashivratri in detail:
The historical origin and contemporary significance of the festival are tied to Indian mythology. According to legend, the dance of primordial creation, preservation and destruction, known as Tandava Nritya, is said to have been first performed by Shiva on Mahashivratri. Lord Shiva averted the apocalypse by performing this act of devotion. At important Hindu temples like Konark, Khajuraho, Pattadakal, Modhera and Chidambaram, dance festivals are held every year to celebrate Mahashivratri. Another incarnation of Lord Shiva, Nataraja, the supreme god of dance is also worshiped on this day.
Another story in the Shiv Purana describes the day when Lord Brahma, the creator of the universe, and Lord Vishnu, the protector of the universe, argued over who was superior. Lord Shiva was begged by the frightened gods to join the conflict, and to show them the futility of their struggle, Shiva transformed into a Lingam.
Brahma and Vishnu are separated by a shining “Lingam” (Shiva Linga), which seems to have no beginning or end as it rises into the sky and passes through the clouds. Brahma and Vishnu, both fearful of its size, decided to compete to find an end, with the winner establishing supremacy over the loser. While Vishnu descended into the abyss of the world, Brahma began his journey in the sky.
Mahashivratri 2023: 7 important life lessons to learn from Lord Shiva\
On his journey, Brahma found a Ketaki flower that was placed on top of the Lingam but had drifted down. Using the flower as proof, he lied when he claimed he had reached the top. Shiva became angry at this and showed them his true self. Later he even punished and cursed Brahma that he would never be worshiped. And this helps them realize that Shiva, the creator, preserver and destroyer of the universe, is a third force stronger than them.
Also, since Shiva appeared as Linga for the first time on this extremely lucky day, Maha Shivratri started being observed.
Another famous myth holds that Shiva granted Shakti’s avatar, Goddess Paravati, the wish to marry him because of her devotion. The goddess observed fasting for his long life after their marriage on a moonless night. And even today, Indian women still perform this ritual to wish their husbands a long life. Hence, mahashivratri is considered a night of silence and tranquility dedicated to and inspired by the stoic dignity and self-control of Lord Shiva.
The solemn festival of Mahashivratri celebrates “overcoming darkness and ignorance” in one’s life and in the world. It is observed by chanting Shiva’s name, fasting and meditating on moral principles and virtues such as honesty, charity, forgiveness and discovering Shiva.
Important dates in February 2023
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Source: pagasa.edu.vn