Why is Maha Shivratri celebrated?
Maha Shivratri, which literally translates to “great night of Shiva” is a Hindu festival largely celebrated in India as well as in Nepal. The festival is celebrated on the new moon day in the month of Maagha according to the Hindu calendar. The day is celebrated to venerate Lord Shiva, an important deity in Hindu culture.This year it will be celebrated on March 4.
How do we celebrate it ?
Mahashivratri celebrations in India have got a very long holy tradition among the Hindus. Lord Shiva is considered to be the embodiment of the supreme Godhead responsible for creation, sustenance and destruction of the universe. Devotees of Shiva observe strict fasting on this day and also perform Mahashivratri puja.
Mahashivratri puja
Mahashivratri puja done with sincerity and steadfast devotion to Lord Shiva with the strict observance of the puja rules is believed to confer a lot of blessings to the devotees and wash away all their sins. It will earn them a permanent place in the abode of Lord Shiva and finally liberate them from the cycle of births and deaths. In this life, the devotees doing Mahashivratri puja governed by puja rules will get all their desires fulfilled and will be removed from all miseries and troubles.
Benefits of Rudrabhishek
It brings health, wealth, knowledge and tranquility.
It minimizes the evil/menacing effects afflicted by the moon.
It minimizes the evil/menacing effects of Punarvasu, Pushya, Ashlesha Nakshatras and makes it powerful and beneficial.
How is Rudrabhishek done ?
Rudra Abhishek invokes Lord Shiva through chanting of Sri Rudram and offering abhishekam during the Pooja. In this Pooja Lord Shiva is worshipped in the form of Linga or Lingam and abhishek is performed with different articles like flowers, belpatra, milk, coconut water, honey, curd, sugarcane juice etc. When performed with truest devotion and in right spirit, Rudrabhishek is believed to bring peace, prosperity, health, wealth and knowledge by removing negative vibes and destroying all the evil forces feeding over you.
