Maha Shivratri

Maha Shivratri, or the night of the supreme Lord Shiva, is one of the most important Hindu festivals. As per the Hindu lunar calendar, it falls on the 13^th night and 14^th day of the Magh month. According to the Gregorian or the Christian calendar, this year the day falls on March 10.

In Hindu mythology, Maha Shivratri is Lord Shiva’s favorite day of the year, when He is in his elements. Believers who worship the deity on this day are able to control negative emotions like anger, jealousy, and lust and overcome their spiritual darkness and ignorance. 

Lord Shiva is the greatest Hindu god. When translated, Shiva means enlighten; thus, Lord Shiva is the one who enlightens. He is the creator and the preserver of the Universe.  He is also the destroyer of ignorance. Through His absolute radiance, He illuminates the Universe.

Though the religious observances of Maha Shivratri take place mainly at night, people observe a strict fast during the day; some staunch devotees do not even drink a drop of water. Worshippers recite the Panchakshara or five-syllable mantra, “Om Namah Shivay” all through the night. 

The redeeming mantra, when translated, means, “I bow to Shiva.” He is the inner self, the supreme reality or the consciousness dwelling inside us humans. Though regarded as the Destroyer, Shiva is the inner self that remains after everything has come to an end. And the chanter is bowing to Shiva, his real self. 

Maha Shivratri is an auspicious occasion, especially for women. Those married pray for the well-being of their husbands and sons. Unmarried women pray for a husband like Shiva as He is considered the ideal life partner. In addition, Shiva is also Durga, Parvati and Kali’s spouse: the three most powerful and revered Hindu goddesses.  

On Shivratri, devotees worship the ‘lingam’ or the phallus symbolizing Shiva. It is made of quartz, granite, metal or marble. The phallus is bathed in milk, butter, sour milk and other offerings every three hours throughout the night. There are five foods representing immortality which are placed before the lingam. They are honey, sugar, butter, milk and curd. 

In addition, revelers light incense and offer flowers, while staying awake the entire night and listening to hymns, chants and songs. The nightlong fast is broken only the following morning.  In some parts of India, the festival goes on for more than a day – in Kashmir, Maha Shivratri is celebrated for 15 days! 

Usher in the celebrations with fresh and dried flowers from Floralis – the online flower boutique. Make this year’s Maha Shivratri auspicious for your family and all those special to you. With express delivery, send fresh flowers and a range of unique gifts to your loved ones throughout India in just one day!