(Image source from: })

The auspicious Mahashivaratri is celebrated all over India today , 17th February,2015. Devotees of Lord Shiva observe the festival by following the prescribed rituals with sincerity and devotion. As a tradition, devotees wake up early in the morning and take a ritual sunrise bath, preferably in the holy river of Ganges. After wearing fresh new clothes, devotees visit the nearest Shiva temple to give the customary bath to the Shivalinga. Devotees walk all the way round the Shivalinga, three or seven times and then pour water over it. Some also pour milk.

Sound of bell and shouts of “Shankarji ki Jai” (Hail Shiva) echoes in the temple premises.

Worship of Lord Shiva continues all through the night on Shivaratri festival. Devotees stay awake all night and spend the night in Shiva temple. Those observing the Shivaratri fast break their fast the next morning by consuming the Prasad offered to Shiva.

Mahashivaratri is associated with the marriage of Shiva and Shakti. The legends signify that this day is the favorite of Lord Shiva. It is also throws light on his greatness and his supremacy over all other Hindu Gods and Goddesses. Mahashivaratri also celebrates the night when lord Shiva performs the ‘Tandava’, the cosmic dance.

-Smrutirekha