Maha Shivratri is one of the most awaited festivities in India and on this day Lord Shiva who is the destructor of negative energy is worshipped with utmost dedication. The significance of Maha Shivratri is mentioned in the Hindu scriptures. It is stated that Maha Shivratri is a very special day of the year as worshipping Lord Shiva on this very day is believed to fulfill all your desires and wipe off the misdeeds of past and present life.

Every year, Maha Shivratri is celebrated on the 13th night and 14th day of the Phalguna month. Maha Shivratri In the year 2020 is on the 21st of February.

According to the legends, Maha Shivratri marks the anniversary of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. It is stated in the religious texts that praying to Lord Shiva on the day of Maha Shivratri and observing fast will drive away all the evil forces and devotees will be relieved from the sufferings of life. Not only in India, but Lord Shiva is also worshipped all across the world. People bow down to the Lord seeking his blessings and asking for forgiveness for all the sins that they had done.

There are various legends behind the celebration of Maha Shivratri and the most famous one is Lord Shiva consuming the venomous poison that came out during Samudra Manthan. He protected the entire universe from the harmful effects of poison and hence Lord Shiva got the name of Neelakanta and Vishakanta.

There is another mythological story that states about the argument which was going on between Lord Vishnu and Brahma about who was supreme among them. Lord Shiva in his furious and giant form appeared there and on seeing him, Vishnu and Brahma were astonished and agreed that Lord Shiva was the most supreme among the trinities.

Rituals of Maha Shivratri include waking up at dawn, taking a bath, wearing new clothes and going to the Shivalaya. Performing abhishekam to the Shiva Lingam is an important part of puja on Shivratri. Water, milk, honey, bel leaves, and other holy materials are offered to the Shiva lingam. Sacred Shiv mantras are chanted and devotional songs are sung. People fast the whole day and stay awake the whole night by listening to kirtan and pravachanam. The next morning; after the puja is performed, people break their fast by eating the prasad.