Maha Shiva Ratri Pooja Vidhanam

Maha Shivaratra is a Hindu festival celebrated every year in honor of Lord Shiva. The name also refers to the night when Lord Shiva performs the celestial dance called Tandava.
In each month of the Hindu lunisolar calendar, there is a Shivaratri – the “night of Shiva” – on the day before the new moon. But once a year, at the end of winter and before the arrival of summer (February/March) this night is known as “Maha Shivratri” – “The Great Night of Shiva”. This day falls in Falguna month according to the North Indian Hindu calendar and Magha according to the South Indian Hindu calendar.

Why we have to do Jaagarana ?

Why Maha Shiva Ratri Jaagarana ?

It is a significant festival in Hinduism, and the festival is solemn and marks the “overcoming of darkness and ignorance” in life and the world. It can be observed by remembering Shiva and offering prayers. Fasting and meditating on ethics and virtues such as honesty, not hurting others, charity, forgiveness and finding Shiva. Devout devotees keep vigil throughout the night. Others visit one of the Shiva temples or go on a pilgrimage to the Jyotirlingas. The festival is an integral part of Hinduism and its origin predates recorded history, although some Western Indologists believe that the festival originated in the 5th century BCE. According to South Indian calendar. Maha Shivaratri is still celebrated on Chaturdashi tithi in Krishna Paksha of Magha month and in other parts of India, Krishna Paksha 13/14th night of Phalguna in Hindu calendar is still celebrated as Gregorian.

What is the Importance of Maha Shiva Ratri ?

Maha Shiva Raathtri

Maha Shivaratri is particularly important in the Shaivism tradition of Hinduism. Unlike most Hindu festivals which are celebrated during the day, Maha Shivaratri is celebrated at night. Furthermore, unlike most Hindu festivals which include expression of cultural revelry, the Maha Shivaratri is a solemn event notable for its introspective focus, fasting, meditation on Shiva, self study, social harmony and an all-night vigil at Shiva temples.
The celebration includes maintaining a jagaran, an all-night vigil and prayers, because Shaiva Hindus mark this night as “overcoming darkness and ignorance” in one’s life and the world through Shiva. Offerings of fruits, leaves, sweets and milk are made to Shiva, some perform all-day fasting with Vedic or tantric worship of Shiva, and some perform meditative yoga. In Shiva temples, the sacred Panchakshari mantra of Shiva, “Om Namah Shivaya” is chanted throughout the day. Devotees praise Shiva through the recitation of the hymn called the Shiv Chalisa.
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