Maha Shivratri 2018: A Night Dedicated to the Divine

Maha Shivratri 2018 celebrations will be in full swing on Tuesday i.e. 13th February 2018 and will continue till 14th February 2018. Maha Shivratri is the night that celebrates the convergence of Shiva and Shakti that makes one 'Sampooran' (complete). Lord Shiva who otherwise is described as a Yogi, a celibate, a 'Virakt' (unattached), also has another dimension for his followers, the one who embodies as 'Ardhnareshwar' and hence symbolizes how man and woman are equal partners for a fruitful life.

Maha Shivratri – The Legend
As per the Maha Shivratri legend, on the behest of Lord Brahma, his granddaughter - Shakti observed a rigorous penance for Lord Shiva with a 'Sankalp' (determination) to be his consort. And this is the night, when Shiva accepted Shakti as his companion.

Maha Shivratri - When Shiva is the Substance
Though whether Lord Shiva consumed substance or not is highly debated, on the night of Maha Shivratri, for the worshippers or followers – Shiva is the substance! The mere chanting of ‘Om Namaha Shivaya’ and 'Har Har Mahadev Shiv Shambhu' can send you in trance, in meditation, in absolute divinity!

How is Maha Shivratri celebrated
People worship Lord Shiva and pour milk or gangajal on Shiv Ling, adorn it with bel patta and flowers, and offer ber. The Shiv bhakts stay awake the whole night of Shivratri, sing the praises and legends of Lord Shiva, dance in trance and perform Pooja. The day typically starts with a Vrat (fast) kept with a Sankalp to fast the full day and night, and is completed the next morning after taking a bath.

Maha Shivratri on 13th or 14th February 2018
Amidst confusion whether Mahashivaratri falls on 13th or 14th February 2018, as per astrologers, the spiritual benefits of fasting on 13th February 2018 are tremendous as it is on 13th that along with Pradosh, Chaturdashi will begin at 10:22 pm and will continue till 12:17 on 14th February 2018. Whichever day you choose, let's celebrate Maha Shivratri 2018 on the night dedicated to the Divine.