Shivratri 2013- Shivratri Rituals and Maha Shivaratri 2013 Date Information

According to the Hindu calendar, Maha Shivratri is observed on the thirteenth and fourteenth day in the Krishna Paksha every year on the month of Phalguna or Maagh. People go to temples and holy shrines to offer prayers and worship Lord Shiva to please him. Mythological Stories behind Maha Shivratri - There are numerous interesting mythological stories behind the celebration of Shivratri. According to Puranas, Lord Shiva drank the poison that came out during the Sagar Manthan by gods and demons. However poison stayed in his throat and Lord Shiva remained unharmed. Thus Shivratri is also a day of thanksgiving to the Lord for protecting us. It is also believed that Shivratri is auspicious because on this day Lord Mahadev was married to Devi Parvati. Many believe that on this day Lord Shiva first manifested himself in the form of a Linga and it became extremely auspicious and is celebrated as Maha Shivratri. This year Maha Shivaratri 2013 is on date March, 10. Importance for Women -rnMaha Shivratri festival is mainly important for ladies, both married and unmarried. Married women observe fast and offer prayers both to Lord Shiva and Parvati for a peaceful and perfect married life. Unmarried ladies offer prayers both to Lord Shiva and Parvati to get husband like Lord Shiva who is regarded as the ideal husband by the Hindu women. Shivratri Rituals and Celebration -rnThis day is very auspicious one for Hindus. On the day of Shivratri people awake early in the morning and visit the Shiva temple. During Shivratri devotees offer fresh water, flowers, bael leaves on the Shivalinga, a symbol for the worship of Lord Shiva. The worship continues the whole day and night. Traditional bath of Shivalinga is done using milk, yogurt, honey, ghee, sandalwood paste and rose water. Lingam is bathed every three hours with the 5 sacred offerings of cow and 5 foods of immortality, offering of Datura fruit and bael leaves are considered to give high returns. Devotees observe fast whole day without even drinking water. People stay awake whole night, chant the holy Panchakshara mantra "Om Namah Shivaya” and listen kirtans and bhajans in temples. People sleep only on the night of next day. Generally it is believed that anyone who worship lord Shiva on this night with pure devotion will free from all their sins. Maha Shivratri festival is celebrated widely in India, Nepal and other regions where Lord Shiva is worshiped. On this festival people also send inspiring Mahashivratri SMS and lovely Shivratri greetings to their dear ones.