Maha Shivratri 2018: Date and Time, Images, Whatsapp Messenger, Quotes, History, Science, Celebrated

Maha Shivratri 2018: Date and Time, Images, Whatsapp Messenger, Quotes, History, Science, Celebrated

 Shivratri is observed as the "night of Shiva", the Hindu god, who is referred as "the destroyer of evil." This special day is not for celebrations and merry-making but to worship Lord Shiva, introspect and become meditative. While Shivratri comes once every month, Maha Shivratri or the "great night of Shiva" comes once in a year, just before the arrival of Spring season in the month of February or March. Its date keeps changing every year as it is related to the lunar calendar. This year, Maha Shivratri will be celebrated on February 13, Tuesday, and will be extended till  February 14.

History Of Maha Shivratri

Generally, Mahashivratri is celebrated as the anniversary of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati as the night of their wedding, but there are many stories in various texts and scriptures describing why Maha Shivratri is celebrated. One such story from Shiv Puran (Vidhyeshwar Samhita, Chapter 6) states that when Lord Brahma awoke from his deep meditative slumber, he wanted to find out who was greatest and the supreme. Later on, Lord Brahma saw Lord Vishnu, and they both began to argue with each other about who is supreme and the creator of the other. This argument took a furiously from and seeing that Lord Sada Shiva emerged in the form of a giant fiery Jyoti Linga; a voice came from within it saying whoever will find the top or bottom of this fire pillar will be considered supreme. The two gods agreed. Vishnu took the form of a Varaha and Brahma took the form of the swan and decided that the latter will go upwards, while the other will go downwards.

Millions of years passed, but neither was able to find the end. Vishnu understood that the one taking the form of the fire pillar is supreme and ended his journey. He returned to the place where he started, while Brahma � while going upwards � saw a flower named Ketaki and thought that he would use this flower as a witness to prove that he had found the top of the Jyoti Linga. He told Ketaki to be his witness; she agreed, and they both went back to the starting point.

Vishnu accepted his defeat, as Brahma seemingly had the last laugh, showing the Ketaki flower as evidence. As soon as Brahma said this, a raging voice came from the Jyoti Linga and Shiva emerged in his glorious form of Shambhsadashiva. Brahma told Shiva the same story, but an enraged Shiva called him out as a liar; he cursed Brahma that the latter will never be worshipped by any human in temples, and also cursed the flower Ketaki, banishing it from being used during his worship rituals.

Shiva blessed Vishnu and gave him a boon that he shall always be the first to be worshipped by all. As the day on which Shiva manifested in this form was the 14th day of this lunar month, this day is known as Maha Shivratri.

Another story states that on this day, Shiva drank the poison from the Samudra Manthan and saved the world from devastation. That is why this day is celebrated as Maha Shivratri.

In the Shivaism tradition, this is the night when Shiva performed the glorious dance of creation and that is why this day is celebrated as Maha Shivratri.

How Is Shivratri Celebrated? 

There are certain perceptions about the festival. While some head to Shiva temples or go on pilgrimage to Jyotirlingams, some celebrate it as the day to observe stillness by chanting of Shiva mantra "Om Namah Shivaya", praying to Lord Shiva, keeping fast, practising yoga, meditation and self-restraint. The ardent devotees keep awake all night, also called "jaagaran".

The major Jyotirlinga Shiva temples of India - in Varanasi and Somnatha - are frequented on Maha Shivaratri by the Shiva devotees. It is also celebrated in the temples all over Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Telangana.

Maha  Shivratri and  Science

According to scientific reasons, on this day, the northern hemisphere of the earth is in such a position that the energy or the centrifugal force of the earth begins to move upward, which is why in yogic tradition, it is said that no one should sit, lie or sleep with their spine bent; and instead the should sit straight upwards on the night of Maha Shivratri so that everyone can avail the benefit of this upsurge of energy.

 Maha  Shivratri Wish, WhatsApp message, Quotes , Sms

* May all your wishes come true and the blessings of the Shiva remain with you always. Happy Maha  Shivratri!

* Wishing you good fortune and prosperity on Maha Shivratri.

* Sending you my warmest wishes this Maha Shivratri

* May all your prayers be granted by Shiva! Wishing you a Happy Maha Shivratri!

* May the blessings of Lord Shiva be showered on you this Maha Shivratri.

* May Shiva bless you with good health, happiness and prosperity.

* Om Namah Shivay! May the blessings of Lord Shiva remain with you throughout your life. Happy Maha Shivratri, 2018!

* May Lord Shiva guide you all your life. Happy Maha Shivratri, 2018!