What is Shubh Maha Shivaratri?
Maha Shivaratri is a festival dedicated to Lord Shiva, the God of Destruction, a great Yogi, and one of the Trimurti.
Every 14th day (waning moon) of the lunar month is celebrated as Shivaratri. The Shivaratri that falls in the Phalguna month is considered to be the most significant or Maha Shivaratri.
Maha Shivaratri Significance
There are many legends in the Puranas signifying the importance of this festival.
It is said that Lord Shiva married Goddess Parvati on this day. Lord Shiva is also said to have manifested himself in the form of a Linga.
Some believe Lord Shiva drank the poison that came out of Samudra Manthan on this day to save the world.
Another legend describes it as the night when Shiva would perform Tandava Nritya.\
Maha Shivaratri Celebration
It is said that there is a natural upsurge of spiritual energy in human beings around Maha Shivaratri. Thus, there is an emphasis on spiritual practices including meditation, fasting, and Jaagran night vigil) worshipping Lord Shiva.
Devotees also visit temples on this day to give ritual baths to the Shiva Lingam with milk, honey, water.