Mahashivaratri, << muh hah shiv uh RAH tee, >> also spelled Mahashivratri, is an annual Hindu festival devoted to the god Shiva and his marriage to the goddess Parvati. Its name means Great Night of Shiva. Mahashivaratri falls on the night of the new moon during the month of Phalgun on the Hindu lunar calendar. On the calendar used in Western countries, it takes place in February or March.
Worshipers of Shiva fast from dawn on the morning before the new moon until dawn on the following day. The most important part of the festival happens during the night, when people visit temples. There, they make offerings to the Shiva lingam—that is, a cylindrical figure representing Shiva. They decorate the lingam and bathe it with butter, honey, milk, sugar, water, and yogurt. During temple visits, worshipers also read Hindu scriptures and sing devotional songs. They may leave offerings at shrines dedicated to Shiva. The following day, they attend feasts and other celebrations.
Several Hindu stories discuss the greatness of Shiva as both creator and destroyer. Mahashivaratri commemorates the night on which Shiva first appeared in the form of the lingam.
The night of the new moon of each month, known as Shivaratri (Night of Shiva), is sacred to Shiva. During this time, worshipers honor the god on a smaller scale than during the annual festival of Mahashivaratri.
See also Shiva .
