RAMESH SAVAIKAR
Maha Shivratri is celebrated across the country on Chaturdashi of Krishna Paksha (14th day of dark fortnight) of Hindu Magha month. This year, it falls on February 26.
It is believed that on this night, Lord Shiva performed ‘Tandav Nrutya’, the dance of primordial creation. This day is also observed as the day that Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati got married. Thus devotees glorify, honour, and worship Lord Shiva with sanctifying rituals throughout the night. They observe fast and consume only water, milk, tender coconut water, and fruits. Some devotees do not drink even water. Before worshiping Shiva, they take a holy bath.
The puja is very auspicious. It includes milk, ‘abhishekas’ on Shiva linga, offering of betel leaves (‘bilva patras’), vermilion, flowers, ‘dhup’, and fruits. It is believed that the devotees are freed from all sins and blessed with good health, wealth, and success. It is also said that it paves the way for ‘nirvana’ or ‘moksha’. A special puja known as ‘Yam puja’ is also performed.
There are many legends about Shivratri. According to one, after the Earth’s creation was complete, Lord Shiva told Parvati that it pleases him most when the devotees worship him with ‘bilva patra’ on 14th day of dark fortnight of Magha month. As per Vedic scriptures, on the day of Maha Shivratri, Lord Shiva also revealed his linga form.
According to the legend of the ‘Samudra Manthana’, Lord Shiva saved the whole world by consuming poison (hala hal) that emerged as a by product from the churning of the Khirsagar or the milky ocean. With his yoga powers, he stopped the poison in his throat, earning him the name ‘Nilkanth’ (blue throat)
In Goa, the festival is celebrated at Rudreshwar Temple at Harvalem- Sankhali. Devotees take a holy dip bath in holy water of Harvalem waterfall before seeking darshan of Shri Rudreshwar and getting blessings from Lord Shiva. Shivratri is celebrated on large scale at Shri Mahadev Temple at Khandepar- Ponda situated on the bank of Khandepar River. Devotees also throng to the Shri Vathadev Temple and the river where the natural Shiva linga is located on Bicholim river bank.
Maha Shivratri is also celebrated at Saptakoteshwar Temple in Narve- Bicholim, Lingeshwar Temple at Netravali- Sanguem, and at other places where Shiva temples are built.
