Maha Shivaratri

Significance and History
Maha Shivaratri, meaning “The Great Night of Shiva,” is one of the most important Hindu festivals dedicated to Lord Shiva, the deity of destruction and transformation. It is celebrated annually on the 14th night of the dark fortnight in the Hindu month of Phalguna (February–March).

This auspicious night marks the union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati and is also believed to be the night when Lord Shiva performed the cosmic dance of creation, preservation, and destruction—known as the Tandava. Maha Shivaratri holds deep spiritual significance, as it symbolizes overcoming darkness and ignorance in life and attaining spiritual enlightenment.

Devotees observe Maha Shivaratri with intense devotion and seek Lord Shiva’s blessings for inner peace, prosperity, and liberation from the cycle of birth and death.

Traditional Observances

• Fasting and Prayer: Devotees observe strict fasting throughout the day and night, often consuming only fruits, water, and milk.
• Night Vigil (Jagran): Devotees stay awake all night, chanting Shiva mantras like “Om Namah Shivaya” and singing devotional songs.
• Ritual Bathing (Abhishekam): The Shiva Lingam is bathed with water, milk, honey, and sacred substances like yogurt, ghee, and sandalwood paste, symbolizing purification and devotion.
• Offering Bel Patra: Bel leaves, along with fruits, flowers, and incense, are offered to Lord Shiva, as they are considered highly sacred.
• Meditation and Reflection: Devotees spend time in prayer, meditation, and introspection, seeking spiritual growth and connection with Lord Shiva.

Celebration at Krushna Dham Delaware
At Krushna Dham Delaware, Maha Shivaratri is observed with great devotion and fervor, providing devotees an opportunity to connect with the divine energy of Lord Shiva.

• Grand Shiva Abhishekam: The festival begins with a grand abhishekam of the Shiva Lingam, performed multiple times during the night with offerings of milk, honey, ghee, and holy water, accompanied by the chanting of Vedic mantras.
• Shiva Bhajans and Kirtans: The temple echoes with soulful bhajans and kirtans dedicated to Lord Shiva, creating a spiritually uplifting atmosphere.
• All-Night Jagran: Devotees gather to participate in an all-night vigil, meditating and chanting “Om Namah Shivaya” to invoke the blessings of Lord Shiva.
• Special Discourses: Spiritual talks and discourses on the significance of Lord Shiva and Maha Shivaratri are held to inspire and educate devotees.
• Community Participation: Devotees offer Bel leaves, flowers, fruits, and incense to the Shiva Lingam, seeking Lord Shiva’s blessings for health, prosperity, and spiritual awakening.
• Prasadam Distribution: A special prasad is distributed to all attendees as a token of divine blessings.

We warmly invite you to join us at Krushna Dham Delaware to celebrate the sacred Maha Shivaratri, experience the divine energy of Lord Shiva, and embark on a journey of spiritual transformation!