Maha Shivaratri

Maha Shivaratri is one of the major Hindu festivals celebrated with gaiety, observed on the dark fortnight of Krishna Paksha Trayodashi. Shivaratri literally means the 'great night of Shiva or the night of Shiva.'

The festival is principally celebrated by offerings of Bael (Bilva/Vilvam) leaves to Lord Shiva, all-day fasting and an all-night-long vigil. All through the day the devotees, chant the sacred Panchakshara mantra dedicated to Lord "Om Namah Shivaya". In accordance with traditions, penances are performed in order to gain boons in the practice of Yoga and meditation, in order to reach life's supreme good steadily and swiftly. On Mahashivratri, Nishita Kala is the most perfect time to observe Shiva Pooja. On this day, in all Shiva temples, the most auspicious Lingodbhava puja is performed during this time.

During the Samudra Manthana (churning of the ocean) by the Devas and the Asuras for the nectar of immortality,
amongst many things that came out of the ocean was a pot of poison. This poison was so potent that it had the power to destroy the whole Universe. The poison could not be discarded;it had to be drunk by one of the devas or asuras. Neither wanted to drink the poison which was capable of creating Mahapralaya. Shiva, upon the request of the gods, came forward, and drank the 'Kaal KootVisha' or Halahala for 'the sake of the universe - to sustain peace. Instead of swallowing it, he kept it in his throat. Thus Shiva eliminated its destructive capacity. Shiva's throat turned blue - and therefore he is called the 'Neelakanta'. To commemorate the event of Shiva protecting the world with this miraculous act we celebrate Maha Shivaratri.