Why is Maha Shivratri celebrated?
Maha Shivaratri festival in Nepal is deeply rooted in Hinduism and spiritual practices. Below are some of the key reasons behind the Maha Shivaratri celebrations.
- It marks the convergence of the material and spiritual worlds, offering an opportunity for spiritual growth.
- It commemorates the marriage of Lord Shiva with Goddess Parvati.
- Lord Shiva saved humanity by consuming poison during Samudra Manthan (the churning of the ocean) on this day.
- It is associated with Lord Shiva’s cosmic dance called the Tandava.
- it aligns with natural energy surges beneficial for spiritual practices like meditation and yoga.
- Worship on this day can absolve them from past sins and lead them towards moksha or liberation from rebirth cycles.
History and Stories related to Maha Shivaratri
The history of Maha Shivaratri can be dated back to the ancient period around the 5th century BCE. It is a documented form of the Maha Shivaratri celebrations. However, there is a unique Maha Shivaratri story by the different legends.
According to Hindu mythology, Maha Shivaratri was the day when Lord Shiva married Goddess Parvati. This reunion was celebrated by the whole universe. And since this day represents the convergence of male and female energies essential for creation, it is celebrated as the religious festival.
There is another story of the origin of the Maha Shivaratri festival celebrations. According to the legend, on Maha Shivaratri day, Lord Shiva saved humanity by consuming poison from a pot that emerged during Samudra Manthan (the churning of the ocean). His throat turned blue from holding back the poison in it. To honor this act, the Maha Shivaratri is celebrated.
In addition, the Maha Shivaratri is believed to be a night when Lord Shiva performed his cosmic dance known as Tandava. The Tandava was so fierce that all the devatas gathered in one place and witnessed the dance, joining their palms. The Tandava was a representation of the creation, preservation, and destruction in that era. Since then, every night, the dance of the shiva is worshipped.
Maha Shivaratri in Nepalese Culture
There is a huge importance of the Maha Shivaratri in Nepali culture like dashain and tihar. This day is dedicated to Lord Shiva only. And according to Hindu mythology, Lord Shiva is known as the destroyer and transformer within the holy trinity (Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva). His role is respected and worshipped in Nepalese society.
To worship and honor the lord Shiva, devotees visit one of the holiest sites dedicated to Lord Shiva, Pashupatinath Temple. The devotees from the world come and visit the temple every year on this Maha Shivaratri festival occasion.
The lord Shiva is not only worshipped as a destroyer but also for his dance and music associated with the dance. These expressions reflect a strong cultural veneration and hold a special place in the art society of Nepal.
In addition, the temples and shrines provide the platform for the Maha Shivaratri festival celebrations. People of all backgrounds can come and worship the god. In those sites, various programs highlighting Nepalese culture are organized, featuring traditional music, dance performances, and local handicrafts.
How is Maha Shivaratri celebrated in Nepal?
Maha Shivaratri in Nepal is celebrated with great joy and enthusiasm. During the celebrations, various rituals and activities are performed to honor the lord Shiva and celebrate the festival. Below are the key rituals and activities done during the Maha Shivaratri festival.
- Cleaning and decoration of Shiva temples
First of all, the temples and shrines are cleaned as the primary ritual of the Maha Shivaratri. The cleaning includes painting the walls and repairing any damaged structures to improve its appearance. Then, the temple spaces and idols are decorated with fresh flowers or garlands. The Doyos are lit.
- Performing pujas, offerings, and prayers.
After the decorations and Diyas are lit, pujas are performed with prayers. This involves bathing the shiva linga with milk, honey, yogurt, and ghee. This ritual is an important ritual of the puja. The devotees offer the sacred bel leaves, fruits, flowers, Diyos, and vermillion paste to the deity. While performing the puja during the day, the devotees chant the mantra called Om Namah Shivaya.
- Maha Shivaratri special feasts
During the festival, various feasts are prepared and shared among the devotees. Some of the popular dishes prepared as the Maha Shivaratri feasts are Bhang Ladoo (made with marijuana seeds), Thandai (a cold beverage made with almonds, fennel seeds, rose petals, pepper, cardamom, and saffron), Sabudana Kheer, Shivratri Raita, Bhang lassi and so on.
On the Maha Shivaratri, the devotees may observe a Nirjala Vrat (abstaining from both food and water for the entire day). While some, due to health concerns, follow the Phalahar Fast (consuming only fruits, milk, and light foods). The fasting is done to purify the body and mind.
On the night, the devotees stay awake to meditate, chant mantras like "Om Namah Shivaya" or "Mahamrityunjaya,” or engage in other spiritual activities.
- Devotional songs and dances
On the night vigil, the devotees sing devotional songs (bhajan) and perform Kirtans. The most popular song sung during that night is Shiva Tandava Stotram. The other songs are Shankar Bhole (Bhajan), Hey Bhole Baba (Modern Devotional Song), and many more.
The other Maha Shivaratri art, like the Shiva dance, is also performed. The devotees dance in the bhajans to express their love and reverence for Lord Shiva.
During the Maha Shivaratri in Nepal, devotees wear special attires like long-sleeved shirts and pants, saffron robes, matted dreadlocks, and so on. The long-sleeved shirt and pants are worn by the normal devotees, while devotees like sadhus wear the saffron robes and sometimes only cover their bodies with the ash.
- Cultural events like fairs and processions
On the Maha Shivaratri, various cultural events like music and dance performances, fairs and local shops, and processions are organized. Thousands of the sadhus congregate around Pashupatinath Temple. Their bodies are covered with ash and matted dreadlocks.
Maha Shivaratri as a Tourist Attraction
Due to the rich cultural and religious importance of the Maha Shivaratri festival, millions of pilgrims and tourists come to visit Pashupatinath Temple, a unesco world heritage site in nepal. The Pashupatinath temple is one of the holiest Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva.
The tourists experience the festival by witnessing the Sandhya Aarati ceremony, which includes chanting mantras, singing hymns, lighting oil lamps, and playing classical music. Some also take part in meditation and eat the bhangs to feel the cosmic energy.
Furthermore, the tourists join the cultural events and enjoy the performances. Some also buy the special tour packages to witness the Maha Shivaratri celebrations in major places of the Kathmandu Valley, like Doleshwar Mahadev in Bhaktapur and Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu.
Tips for visitors to participate respectfully in the rituals
- Dress modestly to show respect for the cultural significance of the event. White, blue, saffron, or orange are preferred colors while choosing the dress.
- Follow the traditional guidelines by abstaining from non-vegetarian food, grains, onions, garlic, and alcohol if you want to fast.
- Join morning prayers and evening aartis at temples like Pashupatinath in Nepal for the religious experience.
- Be mindful of the local customs when interacting with the local sadhus.
- Take permissions before taking photographs of any objects or person.
- Keep a devotional mindset while attending the puja or the bhajan dances.
- Participate in meditation or mantra chanting to improve your spiritual experience.
- Be aware of the crowds at the temples, keep your belongings safe, and keep the emergency number saved or written in your phone or small diary, respectively.
- Stay updated on any travel restrictions or special arrangements during the festival period.
Conclusion
Mahashivaratri is celebrated with great enthusiasm and joy. The Maha Shivaratri means "The Great Night of Shiva." It is an annual festival that falls on the 14th day of the waning moon in the month of Phalguna (February-March).
The special thing about Maha Shivaratri is its festive atmosphere. Devotees observe fasting, night vigils, and prayers, particularly at the Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu. The festival is marked by rituals, cultural events, and a surge of pilgrims, making it a major attraction for both locals and tourists.
