Blessed Maha Shivaratri to all! This sacred day celebrates the convergence of Shiva and Shakti — the masculine and feminine energies which balance the world. Unlike other Indian festivals, which are about fervour, Maha Shivratri is a more solemn affair, marked with internal reflection and introspection.
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| Shiva Nataraja |
This year, Maha Shivratri is celebrated on March 11, Thursday. The chaturdashi tithi begins at 02.39 pm on March 11, and ends 03.02 pm on March 12. Fast if you can, offer ceremony and chants. Sing Lord Shiva's name all day and night long.
Different legends describe the significance of Maha Shivaratri. According to one legend in the Shaivism tradition, this is the night when Shiva performs the heavenly dance of creation, preservation and destruction.
The chanting of hymns, the reading of Shiva scriptures and the chorus of devotees joins this cosmic dance and remembers Shiva's presence everywhere. According to another legend, this is the night when Shiva and Parvati got married.
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| open grounds around Adiyogi Shiva statue |
A different legend states that the offering to Shiva icons such as the linga is an annual occasion to get over past sins if any, to restart on a virtuous path and thereby reach Mount Kailasha and liberation.
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| The strange wedding of Shiva & Parvati |
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