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Aum namah shivaya shantaaya kaaranatraya
hetawe|
Nivedayaami chathmaanam twam gati parameshwarah||
Maha
Shivratri or Maha Sivaratri or Shivaratri or Sivaratri (Night of Shiva) is a
Hindu festival celebrated every year on the 13th night/14th day in the Krishna
Paksha of the month Maagha (as per Shalivahana) or Phalguna(as per Vikrama)
in the Hindu Calendar. The most significant practices on this day are offerings
of Bael (Bilva) leaves to the Lord Shiva, fasting and all night long vigil.
Ceremonies take place chiefly at night. This is a festival observed in honor
of the Lord Shiva, the God of destruction and regeneration.
There are so many myths, legends and
religious & devotional stories about Shivaratri and Lord Shiva. Some believe,
Lord Shiva was married to Parvati on this day. While some texts say, this is
the night when Lord Shiva is said to have performed the Tandava or the cosmic
dance of primordial creation, preservation and destruction.
(Aum
Namah Shivaaya), the holy five-lettered hymn, or the Panchakshara Mantra, is
being chanted by the devotees, as it is said that, he who utters the Names of
Shiva during Shivaratri, with perfect devotion and concentration, is freed from
all sins. He reaches the abode of Shiva and lives there happily. He is liberated
from the wheel of births and deaths. Many pilgrims flock to the places where
there are Shiva temples. Ceremonies take place chiefly at night.
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