Compiled by: www.HinduTempleHouston.Net
It is celebrated on the 13th (or 14th) day of the dark half of the Hindu month of Phalgun
(February-March). The name means "the night of Shiva". The ceremonies take place
chiefly at night. This is a festival observed in honour of Lord Shiva. Shiva was married
to Parvati on this day.
Many people observe a strict fast on this day.
Some devotees do not even take a drop of
water. Most people fast during the day and night while some start the fast
at sunset. All who fast break the fast the next morning.
They keep vigil all night. The Shiva Lingam is worshipped throughout the night by
washing it every three hours with milk, curd, honey, rose water, etc., whilst the chanting
of the Mantra Om Namah Shivaya continues.
Offerings of bael leaves are made to the Lingam.
Bael leaves are very sacred as, it is said, Lakshmi resides in them. Hymns in praise of Lord Shiva, such as the Shiva Mahimna Stotra of Pushpadanta or
Ravana's Shiva Tandava Stotra are sung with great fervour and devotion. People repeat the
Panchakshara Mantra, Om Namah Shivaya. He who utters the Names of Shiva during Shivaratri,
with perfect devotion and concentration, is freed from all sins. He reaches the abode of
Shiva and lives there happily. He is liberated from the wheel of births and deaths. Many
pilgrims flock to the places where there are Shiva temples.
Yes, there are stories one of which is as follows. It is THE STORY OF KING CHITRABHANU.
Once upon a time King Chitrabhanu was observing a fast with his wife, it being the day of Maha Shivaratri. The
sage Ashtavakra came on a visit to the court of the king. The sage asked, "O king! why are you observing a fast today?" King Chitrabhanu explained why. He had the gift of remembering the incidents of his
previous birth. The king said to the sage: "In my past birth I was a hunter in Varanasi. My name
was Suswara. My livelihood was to kill and sell birds and animals. One day I was roaming
the forests in search of animals. I was overtaken by the darkness of night. Unable to
return home, I climbed a tree for shelter. It happened to be a bael tree. I had shot a
deer that day but I had no time to take it home. I bundled it up and tied it to a branch
on the tree. As I was tormented by hunger and thirst, I kept awake throughout the night. I
shed profuse tears when I thought of my poor wife and children who were starving and
anxiously awaiting my return. To pass away the time that night I engaged myself in
plucking the bael leaves and dropping them down onto the ground. "The day dawned. I returned home and sold the deer. I bought some food for myself
and for my family. I was about to break my fast when a stranger came to me, begging for
food. I served him first and then took my food. "At the time of death, I saw two messengers of Lord Shiva. They were sent down to
conduct my soul to the abode of Lord Shiva. I learnt then for the first time of the great
merit I had earned by the unconscious worship of Lord Shiva during the night of
Shivaratri. They told me that there was a Lingam at the bottom of the tree. The leaves I
dropped fell on the Lingam. My tears which I had shed out of pure sorrow for my family
fell onto the Lingam and washed it. And I had fasted all day and all night. Thus did I
unconsciously worship the Lord. "I lived in the abode of the Lord and enjoyed divine bliss for long ages. I am now
reborn as Chitrabhanu."
What is Shiva-Ratri?
On a moonless night in February or March every year, occurs the night of Shiva, the destroyer.
This is the night when He is said to have performed the tandava or the dance of primordial creation, preservation
and destruction. Devotees of Shiva fast during the day and maintain a long vigil during the night. In temples all
across the country, bells ring, sacred texts are chanted and traditional offerings of leaves and milk are
made to the shiv lingam, the phallic symbol of the god.
When is Shiva-Ratri Celebrated?
How is Shiva-Ratri Celebrated?
Is there is story behind this festival?