Hindu devotees and spiritual seekers, mark your calendars! Nai Mu, the guru of mystical tales from God’s City on Ticy City’s website and page, brings you an insight into Maha Shivaratri, the grand celebration of Lord Shiva’s divine union with Goddess Parvati. This year, the sacred night falls on Monday, February 26, 2025 (the 14th day of the Hindu lunar month of Phalguna).
At Silom’s Hindu temple, the rituals begin around 5:30 PM, with four rounds of worship throughout the night at 8:00 PM, 11:00 PM, 2:00 AM, and concluding at 5:00 AM. Other Shiva temples worldwide will follow their own schedules for the grand night of devotion.
Chanting “Om Namah Shivaya” Through the Night
On this night, devotees gather to chant the sacred five-syllable mantra, “Om Namah Shivaya,” resonating through temples and homes across India and beyond. Maha Shivaratri is one of the most significant Hindu festivals, drawing massive crowds to temples illuminated with dazzling lights.
Shivalinga: The Eternal Symbol of Creation & Energy
At the heart of Shiva worship lies the Shivalinga (Lingam), a representation of divine energy. The lingam (phallic symbol) is always paired with the Yoni, symbolizing Goddess Parvati and the source of creation. The Yoni base extends towards the north, representing the sacred Ganges River. The water poured over the Shivalinga becomes blessed, and devotees either drink it or sprinkle it for good fortune.
Ancient sages believed that everything in existence carries life energy, even those beyond scientific perception. This energy is known as “Shiva.” The Shivalinga, often depicted as a pillar of light or fire, represents this boundless cosmic force.
12 Jyotirlingas: Sacred Shiva Shrines
Among the holiest Shivalinga sites, 12 Jyotirlingas stand as powerful places of worship, including:
Somnath
Mallikarjuna
Mahakaleshwar
Omkareshwar
Kedarnath
Vishwanath
Rameshwaram, and more.
Fasting & Worship: The Essence of Maha Shivaratri
On this auspicious night, devoted followers observe a strict fast, chant hymns, and engage in 24-hour worship to seek Lord Shiva’s blessings. The deeper meaning behind Shivalinga-Yoni philosophy reflects the inseparable union of masculine and feminine energies, representing fertility, creation, and cosmic balance. This belief predates Aryan influence and remains a vital aspect of Shiva-Shakti traditions.
The androgynous form of Ardhanarishvara (half-Shiva, half-Parvati) symbolizes this divine union. According to legend, Brahma initially created only men, making reproduction impossible. In response, Sada Shiva manifested Shakti, leading to the creation of women and the balance of life.
The Legend of the Endless Pillar of Light
One famous tale tells of a cosmic dispute between Brahma and Vishnu over their superiority. To settle the matter, a gigantic pillar of fire (Shivalinga) emerged. Brahma flew upwards in the form of a swan, while Vishnu, as a boar, burrowed deep below—both seeking the pillar’s beginning and end.
After eons, Vishnu admitted defeat, but Brahma falsely claimed victory, presenting a flower as proof. Lord Shiva, angered by the deception, manifested as Bhairava and severed Brahma’s fifth head, leaving him with the four faces seen today. The pillar of fire symbolized Shiva’s infinite and eternal presence.
Shivalinga & Kali’s Divine Pleasure
Another intriguing myth speaks of a village struck by calamities, prompting devotees to sculpt and worship phallic symbols as offerings to Goddess Kali. As the villagers prayed, the disasters subsided—leading to the belief that Shivalinga worship could appease deities and bring prosperity.
Why Shiva Loves Bael Leaves?
The bael leaf (Bilva Patra) is a sacred offering to Lord Shiva. With its three leaflets resembling Shiva’s trident (Trishul), it signifies victory and divine energy.
One tale speaks of a hunter unknowingly worshipping Lord Shiva—while resting on a bael tree, his movements caused dewdrops to fall on a Shivalinga below. Shiva, pleased with this unintended devotion, granted the hunter absolution from a lifetime of sins.
The Grand Night of Lord Shiva Awaits!
From temples to sacred rivers, devotees across India and beyond will unite in prayers, fasting, and night-long celebrations. Rituals include bathing the Shivalinga with holy water, milk, honey, and turmeric, alongside offerings of bael leaves, flowers, and fruits.This Maha Shivaratri, let the echoes of “Om Namah Shivaya” fill the air as you celebrate the boundless energy of Lord Shiva! Story by Nai Mu
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