Sikkim observes Mahashivaratri

Sikkim observes Maha Shivratri
Sanjay Agarwal

Mahashivaratri

02 Mar, Rangpo: The most powerful among all the god in Hindu is Lord Shiva, who is also referred as a very soft and humble among all god and goddesses. Lord Shiva’s yet has another face which is often called ‘Lord of Destruction’. According to Hindu mythology all the god and goddesses try all their best to please lord Shiva by performing series of meditation. Interestingly among all the god and goddess Lord Shiva is such a diety who do not hesitate to give away anything his worshipper asks for, that’s a reason Lord Shiva is also called “Bhole Nath”.
In tiny Himalayan state of Sikkim the great “Mahashivaratri” is being observed since many decades at various Shivalayas in traditional way, the people from all walks of life gathers at the Shivalaya during this holy day. In 32 No. today Janakshwar Shivalaya mandir a day long programme is being organised by the residential committee, the programme shall start with a puja at 09:00 AM, Rudraabhishek at 11:00 AM, Aaarti at 02:00 PM and Maha Bhandara will be organised.

Mahashivaratri Festival
Mahashivaratri FestivalMahashivaratri Festival or the ‘The Night of Shiva’ is celebrated with devotion and religious fervor in honor of Lord Shiva, one of the deities of Hindu Trinity. Shivaratri falls on the moonless 14th night of the new moon in the Hindu month of Phalgun, which corresponds to the month of February – March in English Calendar. Celebrating the festival of Shivaratri devotees observe day and night fast and perform ritual worship of Shiva Lingam to appease Lord Shiva.

Legends of Mahashivratri
There are various interesting legends related to the festival of Maha Shivaratri. According to one of the most popular legends, Shivaratri marks the wedding day of Lord Shiva and Parvati. Some believe that it was on the auspicious night of Shivaratri that Lord Shiva performed the ‘Tandava’, the dance of the primal creation, preservation and destruction. Another popular Shivratri legend stated in Linga Purana states that it was on Shivaratri that Lord Shiva manifested himself in the form of a Linga. Hence the day is considered to be extremely auspicious by Shiva devotees and they celebrate it as Mahashivaratri – the grand night of Shiva.

Traditions and Customs of Shivaratri
Various traditions and customs related to Shivaratri Festival are dutifully followed by the worshippers of Lord Shiva. Devotees observe strict fast in honor of Shiva, though many go on a diet of fruits and milk some do not consume even a drop of water. Devotees strongly believe that sincere worship of Lord Shiva on the auspicious day of Shivaratri, absolves a person of sins and liberates him from the cycle of birth and death. Shivaratri is considered especially auspicious for women. While married women pray for the well being of their husbands unmarried women pray for a husband like Lord Shiva, who is regarded as the ideal husband.

To mark the Shivratri festival, devotees wake up early and take a ritual bath, preferably in river Ganga. After wearing fresh new clothes devotees visit the nearest Shiva temple to give ritual bath to the Shiva Lingum with milk, honey, water etc.