Why do we celebrate Maha Shivratri Festival - Lord Shiva's rise as the protector (महाशिवरात्रि)

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• On this auspicious day, Lord Shiva promised to be the protector of the universe, hence blessing everyone with the boon of freedom from all darkness and ignorance. Hence, Maha Shivratri is also symbolic of awakening to the divine soul within our own selves.

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Maha Shivaratri 2020 is on February 21 Friday:

Har Har Mahadev

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When is Maha Shivratri celebrated?

Maha Shivratri is usually celebrated on the 13th or 14th day of the Krishna Paksha of the Indian month of Falgun. As per English calendars, it usually falls in the month of February or March. According to the position of the moon, Maha Shivratri falls just before the occurrence of the new moon.

Read this also: Story, facts, and rules of Maha Shivratri:

Although there are many stories behind why this day is celebrated as Maha Shivratri, the most authentic tale is about how Lord Shiva was approached by Gods all across the world to protect them from a poison that the vast oceans were gurgling out hence posing a threat to their existence. In order to endanger them, Mahadev swallowed the poison himself and preserved it in his throat with the help of a snake coiling around it. Gods thanked the Lord for protecting them and thereafter, it is believed that whoever keeps a fast on this day and remembers Lord Shiva with dedication and faith, he or she is granted life and health by the Lord himself.

Another story revolving around Maha Shivratri is the reunion of Lord Shiva and Parvati on this day after the Gods recreated Sati, Shiva's wife in the form of Parvati. As mythology goes, Sati lent her self to the sacred fire after her father insulted Shiva in front of all at an event in his own kingdom. This day is also remembered as the day of arousal of 'Jyotirlinga', an avatar of Mahadev.

Maha Shivratri Strom

Read This Also: Maha Shivratri: Some incredible rituals of Maha Shivratri:

    Usually, devotees fast the whole day with the intake of only meager fruits and milk during this period.

    In the night, puja is offered at the various temples of Lord Shiva and a special ritual of 'Rudrabhisheka' is performed where people bathe the Lord with milk and offer sweets and prayers.

    It is advised by spiritual experts to practice meditation on this day and to chant 'Om Namah Shivaya' as many times as possible during the whole day.

    Married women perform special pujas on this day for the health and well being of their husbands.

Shivratri Lord Shiva

Important Timings On Maha Shivaratri:

Sunrise                                                    February 21, 2020, 6:59 AM

Sunset                                                     February 21, 2020 6:22 PM

Nishita Kaal Puja Time                       February 22, 12:15 AM - February 22, 1:05 AM

Ratri First Prahar Puja Time             February 21, 6:22 PM - February 21, 9:31 PM

Ratri Second Prahar Puja Time        February 21, 9:31 PM - February 22, 12:40 AM

Ratri Third Prahar Puja Time           February 22, 12:40 AM - February 22, 3:49 AM

Ratri Fourth Prahar Puja Time         February 22, 3:49 AM - February 22, 6:58 AM

Chaturdashi Tithi Begins                   February 21, 2020, 5:21 PM

Chaturdashi Tithi Ends                      February 22, 2020, 7:03 PM

Maha Shivaratri Parana Time           February 22, 6:58 AM - February 22, 7:03 PM

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