MahaShivratri
By Atreya V. MahaShivratri or just Shivratri is the day of the year that is dedicated to worshiping Lord Shiva day and night.
This special festival occurs on the fourteenth night of the new moon during the dark half of the month of Phalguna (February / March). MahaShivratri is universally observed by all pious Hindus with fasting, singing of bhajans, recital of Sanskrit shlokas, offering of wonderful prayers, beautiful flowers, sweet fruits and tasty food dishes that are specially prepared in honor of the deity and his divine consort, goddess Parvati.
The 14th shloka of Shivmahimna Stotra says: 'O three eyed Lord, when the poison came up through the churning of the ocean by the gods and demons, they were all aghast with fear as if the untimely end of all creation was imminent. In your kindness, you drank all the poison that still makes your throat blue. O Lord, even this blue mark does but increases your glory. What is apparently a blemish becomes an ornament in one intent on ridding the world of fear.'
Lord Shiva was married to Devi Parvati on Shivratri. Remember Shiva without Parvati is pure 'Nirgun Brahman'. With his illusive power, (Maya, Parvati) He becomes the "Sagun Brahman" for the purpose of the pious devotion of his devotees. We all need to worship Lord Shiva everyday in our life.
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