Om Namah Shivaya
Mahashivaratri Festival is a one of the Biggest Festival
in India. Shivaratri is also spelled as Shivratri, Shivarathri and Sivaratri.
Maha Shivaratri is a festival which celebrates the convergence of Shiva and
Shakti. It is celebrated on the Krishna Paksha Chaturdashi of Hindu calendar
month Maagha.
There are many legends associated with Maha Shivaratri -
Marriage of Shiva and Shakti, Samudra Manthan, Appearance of Shiva on Earth in
form of Lingam and Ganga's descent from the heavens to the earth.
All these legends signify that this day is the favorite
day of Lord Shiva and also throw light on the greatness of Lord Shiva and his
supremacy over all other Hindu Gods and Goddesses.
Mahashivaratri also marks the night when Lord Shiva
performed the 'Tandava' the cosmic dance.
On Mahashivaratri one can find long serpentine queues
outside all Shiva temples. The six items that must be included in Shiva Puja on
Mahashivratri according to the Shiva Purana are Bael Leaves, Fruits preferably
Ber (Jujube fruit) or Datura, Vermilion Paste, Betel Leaves and Incense or Oil
Lamp. According to Vedic scriptures, devotees who worship Lord Shiva with
thorough devotion on the auspicious day of Mahashivratri are freed from all
past sins and are ultimately blessed with Moksha by Lord Shiva. On the day of
Mahashivaratri, chanting of Shiva Mantras like 'Om Namah Shivaya' or
Mahamritunjaya Mantra using a Rudraksha Japa Mala is also considered as very
auspicious.
The best mantra for Maha Shivaratri
Om Trayambakam Yajaamahe
Suganghim Pushtivardhanam
Urvaarukmiva Bandhanaan
Mrityor Mokshiya Mamritaat
Source: Odishabook.com
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