Guest guest Posted February 12, 2007 Report Share Posted February 12, 2007 February 16th is Maha Shivarathri,chaturdashi starts from 16th feb 02.52 am and present till 17th feb 12.29am Skandha puranam describes about four shiva ratris. The first one is nitya shivaratri (daily shivaratri - every night). The second one is the masa shivaratri which is observed on the krishna paksha chaturdasi (fourteenth moon day on the moons diminishing phase). The third one is the maga prathamadi shivaratri which is observed for the thirteen days starting from prathama titi in the month mAga (masi) and on the chaturdasi night the Lord is worshiped throughout the night. The fourth one is observed on the masi (maga) month krishna paksha chaturdasi. This is the one observed in a widespread manner. It is also called maha shivaratri. MAHA SIVARATHRI The Mahasivarathri is essentially a religious festival unlike the Onam and Thiruvathira. The word means `the great night of Siva. According to the Sivapurana, it falls on the Krishna Chathurdasi day which is on the fourteenth day during the warning of the moon in the month of Megha, though in some years it may occur in Phalguna also. In Kerala the month of Kumbham is noted for the Sivarathri festival which falls in February -March. The festival is said to commemorate the day on which Siva protected the world from a total annihilation either by drinking the deadly Kaalakoodum poison which was held up in his neck, or by effecting a healthy compromise between Brahma, the Creator and Vishnu, the Protector. The Mahasivarathri is considered a very important day for fast and Siva worship. Though the observance of Sivarathri rites promises both material comfort in this world and bliss in the other, it is mainly observed for securing the latter, While some Hindus abstain from every kind of food for the whole day, others content themselves with one meal. People cluster round the Siva temple and after bath smear their bodies with holy ashes and keep on reciting the prayers to siva. Pooja to Siva is kept up all the night. Strict vigil is kept in the holy night. Early next morning people bath once more, worship Siva and return . There are Siva temples where Kavadiyattom is of great significance in the celebration of the Sivarathri festival. Never miss an email again! Toolbar alerts you the instant new Mail arrives. Check it out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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