What is the meaning?

Shivratri is dedicated to Shiva on which his worship symbolises the eradication of material interests and false-ego and leads to liberations from the cycle of birth and death.

Why do Hindus celebrate it?

• Hindus celebrate Shivratri because Shankar Bhagwan got married to Parvati maa.

• Also on Shivratri, Gods and Demons churned the ocean. The ocean came out in a pot, in that pot there was a poison which no other Gods and demons could not drink.

• So Shankar Bhagwan then had to drink the poison to save the world, after Shankar Bhagwan drank the poison his throat went blue.

How is it celebrated in UK and India?

Hindus celebrate Shivratri by fasting, going to Mandirs to do darshan, offer prashad to Shivling and do pooja.

The Shivalinga is bathed with milk, water and honey. This act is called ‘abhishekham’.

The liquid is poured in a continuous stream symbolising the devotee’s focus on Lord Shiva.

According to the Shiva Purana, the Mahashivaratri worship incorporates the following:

• The offering of cooling bel leaves to the hot-blooded deity, representing purification of the soul

• The vermilion paste applied on the Shivalinga after bathing it, representing virtue

• A food offering, this is conducive to longevity and the gratification of desires

• The burning of incense, yielding wealth

• The lighting of a lamp, which is conducive to the attainment of knowledge.

These rituals form a part of Maha Shivaratri, be it a simple ceremony at home or a grand worship in the Mandir.

By offering water, worshipping the linga, lighting the diya and incense, and ringing the temple bells, devotees call into focus all their senses, making them acutely aware of themselves and the universe to which they belong.