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TheKundaliniYoga.Org
Happiness is our nature. It is not wrong to desire it. What is wrong is seeking it outside when it is inside - Ramana Maharshi
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Maha Shivratri is the night of the worship of Shiva, occurs on the 14th night of the new moon during the dark half of the month of Phalguna (Feb/March) when Hindus offer special prayer to the lord Shiva. Maha Shivratri marks the convergence of Shiva and Shakti. It is the day Shiva was married to Parvati.
Maha Shivratri 2017 will be celebrated on Friday, Feb 24th
The Maha Shivratri festival is also known as 'Shivratri' or 'Great Night of Lord Shiva'. There are twelve Shivaratris in a year, the Maha Shivarathri is the holiest of all. The absolute formless God, Sadashiv (Shiva) appeared in the form of "Lingodbhav Moorti" exactly at midnight on Maha Shivratri. That is why all Shiva devotees keep vigil during the night of Shivratri and do "Shivlingam abhishekham" at midnight. On Maha Shivratri, Nishita Kala is the ideal time to observe Shiva Pooja. Nishita Kala celebrates when Lord Shiva appeared on the Earth in the form of Linga. On this day, in all Shiva temples, the most auspicious Lingodbhava Puja is performed. On this day, the planetary positions in the Northern hemisphere act as potent catalysts to help a person raise his or her spiritual energy more easily. The benefits of powerful ancient Sanskrit Mantras such as Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra increase greatly on this night. Penances are performed this day in order to gain boons in the practice of Yoga and meditation, in order to reach life's highest goals.
The festival is principally celebrated by offerings of Bael or golden apple or Bilva/Vilvam leaves to Lord Shiva, all-day fasting and an all-night-(jagarana). All through the day, devotees chant "Om Namah Shivaya", a sacred Panchakshara mantra dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Here are few photos wishing you Happy Maha Shivratri!
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 | Mahashivratri is the day Shiva became one with Mount Kailash. He became like a mountain – absolutely still. In the yogic tradition, Shiva is not worshipped as a God, but considered as the Adi Guru, the first Guru from whom the knowledge originated.
|  | Shiva with Parvati on Maha Shivaratri
|  | Shiva Maha Shivaratri
|  | Shiva Maha Shivaratri
|  | Shiva Maha Shivaratri
|  | People visiting Shiva statue on Mahashivratri
|  | Blue Shiva
|  | Hearty congrats for Shivratri
|  | Maha-shivratri Shankar Shiv Shambho
|  | Maha Shivaratri ShivShankar
|  | Shubh Shivaratri
|  | Happy Mahashivaratri
|  | Happy Shivaratri Wishes
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