Lord Shiva, the name conjures up images of
masculinity, power, intensity, devotion, auspicious and passion. Considered the
supreme god or the Parameshwara, Maha Shivratri is celebrated each year in his
reverence.
Lord Shiva is the protector of all things good
and destroyer of all that is evil. There are many legends that lead to the
origin on Maha Shivratri. Some devotees celebrate the famous tale of Shiva
drinking the poison that was churned by the sea during Samudra manthan and
saved the world from destruction. The poison turned his neck blue leading to
him also being called Neelkantha.
Another legend says, a hunter took shelter on a Bael
tree at night in the forest. His canteen was leaking. To occupy himself, he
kept plucking leaves and dropping them to the ground. At the time of the
hunter’s death, messengers of Lord Shiva visited him to conduct his sole to the
Lord’s abode. He learnt that night at the forest, there was a shiv ling below
the tree and unknowingly had cleaned the lingam with water and offered it bael
leaves, the Lord’s favourite.
Worshipping Lord Shiva on this day earns great merits
for his believers. Fasting, singing in praise of the lord all night and pujas
are all part of the festivities.
Celebrate Maha Shivratri with Giftease and spread the
divine vibe to your near and dear ones.
Get together with your friends and family and fast
together. Sing songs in praise of the lord, read kathas or stories about Lord
Shiva or watch a mythological movie together at home. Have plenty of fruits,
nuts and glassed of milk ready. You can gift puja thalis with a carved,
wooden idol of Lord Shiva to everyone.
You can gift a gold plated pendant or silver plated pendant with Lord Shiva on it to someone
special to you. They will always be protected under the Lord’s divine gaze.
To get the younger generation enthusiastic about the
festival, gift them books.
These can range from comic book form such as Amar Chitra Katha’s to a modern
take on Lord Shiva like the Immortals of Meluha.
Celebrate and honour this powerful and enigmatic god
on Maha Shivratri in your way. May the force be with you!
No comments:
Post a Comment