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1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 171 (from laksa108)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa171.int.ahrefs:8124/' \
  -H 'Content-Type: text/plain' \
  -H 'X-ClickHouse-Database: crawler3' \
  -H 'Authorization: Basic YXBpOg==' \
  -d 'SELECT getAhrefsURLFromUnparsed(src_unparsed) AS found_url, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(download_stamp), 0) AS crawl_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(props_url_first_seen), 0) AS first_indexed_time, download_http_code AS http_code, src_unparsed AS src_unparsed, src_root_hash AS src_root_hash, history_drop_reason AS history_drop_reason, meta_title AS meta_title, meta_descriptions AS meta_descriptions, attrs_boilerpipe_text AS attrs_boilerpipe_text, attrs_markdown AS attrs_markdown, attrs_readable_markdown AS attrs_readable_markdown, meta_canonical AS meta_canonical FROM crawler3.page_info_local FINAL PREWHERE (src_root_hash, src_unparsed) IN ((getAhrefsRootHashFromUnparsed(getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri","crawl_time":1774095078,"first_indexed_time":1652104453,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"org,bharatpedia!en,\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri s443","src_root_hash":"15499332259725537371","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"Maha Shivaratri - Bharatpedia","meta_descriptions":[],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"Maha Shivaratri\nFile:02 Mahashivratree festival.JPG\nMeditating Shiva statue on Maha-Shivaratri\nObserved by\nHindus\nType\nReligious\nSignificance\nCommemoration of the wedding of Shiva and Parvati\nVeneration of the Tandava dance of Shiva\nManifestation of the lingam\n[\n1\n]\nObservances\nFasting\nSelf-study\nJagarana\nLingam\npuja\nYoga\n[\n2\n]\nFrequency\nAnnual\nExplanatory note\nHindu festival dates\nThe\nHindu calendar\nis lunisolar but most festival dates are specified using the lunar portion of the calendar. A lunar day is uniquely identified by three calendar elements:\nmāsa\n(lunar month),\npakṣa\n(lunar fortnight) and\ntithi\n(lunar day).\nFurthermore, when specifying the masa, one of two traditions are applicable, viz.\namānta\n\/\npūrṇimānta\n.\nIff\na festival falls in the waning phase of the moon, these two traditions identify the same lunar day as falling in two different (but successive) masa.\nA lunar year is shorter than a solar year by about eleven days. As a result, most Hindu festivals occur on different days in successive years on the Gregorian calendar.\nv\nt\ne\nMaha Shivaratri\n(\nSanskrit\n:\nमहाशिवरात्रि\n,\nromanized: \nMahāśivarātri\n,\nlit.\n \n'The Great Night of Shiva') is a\nHindu festival\ncelebrated annually in honour of the deity\nShiva\n, between February and March.\n[\n7\n]\nAccording to the\nHindu calendar\n, the festival is observed on the fourteenth day of the dark (waning) half of the lunar month of\nPhalguna\nor\nMagha\n.\n[\n7\n]\n[\n8\n]\nThe festival also commemorates the wedding of Shiva and\nParvati\n,\n[\n9\n]\nand the occasion that the Shiva performs his divine dance, called the\nTandava\n.\n[\n10\n]\n[\n11\n]\nIt is a notable festival in\nHinduism\n, marking a remembrance of \"overcoming darkness and ignorance\" in life and the world. It is observed by remembering Shiva and chanting prayers,\nfasting\n, and meditating on ethics and virtues such as honesty, non-injury to others, charity, forgiveness, and the discovery of Shiva.\n[\n8\n]\nArdent devotees stay awake throughout this night. Others visit one of the Shiva temples or go on a pilgrimage to the\nJyotirlingams\n. The festival is believed to have originated in 5th century BCE.\n[\n8\n]\nIn\nKashmir Shaivism\n, the festival is called\nHar-ratri\nor phonetically simpler\nHaerath\nor\nHerath\nby Shiva devotees of the Kashmir region.\n[\n12\n]\n[\n13\n]\nDescription\n[\nedit\n|\nedit source\n]\nA festival of contemplation\nDuring the Vigil Night of Shiva, Mahashivaratri,\nwe are brought to the moment of interval\nbetween destruction and regeneration;\nit symbolizes the night\nwhen we must contemplate on that which\nwatches the growth out of the decay.\nDuring Mahashivaratri we have to be alone\nwith our sword, the Shiva out of us.\nWe have to look behind and before,\nto see what evil needs eradicating from our heart,\nwhat growth of virtue we need to encourage.\nShiva is not only outside of us but within us.\nTo unite ourselves with the One Self\nis to recognize the Shiva in us.\n—\nThe Theosophical Movement, Volume 72\n[\n14\n]\nMaha Shivaratri is particularly important in the\nShaivism\ntradition of\nHinduism\n. Unlike most Hindu festivals which are celebrated during the day, Maha Shivaratri is celebrated at night. Furthermore, unlike most Hindu festivals which include expression of cultural revelry, the Maha Shivaratri is a solemn event notable for its introspective focus, fasting,\nmeditation\non Shiva, self study, social harmony and an all-night vigil at Shiva temples.\n[\n8\n]\nThe celebration includes maintaining a\njagaran\n, an all-night vigil and prayers, because Shaiva Hindus mark this night as \"overcoming darkness and ignorance\" in one's life and the world through\nShiva\n. Offerings of fruits, leaves, sweets and milk are made to Shiva, some perform all-day fasting with Vedic or tantric worship of Shiva, and some perform meditative\nyoga\n.\n[\n15\n]\nIn Shiva temples, the sacred Panchakshari\nmantra\nof Shiva, \"\nOm Namah Shivaya\n\" is chanted throughout the day.\n[\n16\n]\nDevotees praise Shiva through the recitation of the hymn called the\nShiv Chalisa\n.\n[\n17\n]\nLegend and significance\n[\nedit\n|\nedit source\n]\nFile:Flickr - dalbera - Shiva Natarâdja, Seigneur de la Danse (musée Guimet).jpg\nMany legends explain the significance of Maha Shivaratri, one being it is the night of\nShiva's dance\n.\nFile:Mahashivratri festival , Maharashtra.jpg\nMaha Shivaratri in\nMaharashtra\nThe Maha Shivaratri is mentioned in several\nPuranas\n, particularly the\nSkanda Purana\n,\nLinga Purana\n,\nand\nPadma Purana\n. These medieval era Shaiva texts present different versions associated with this festival, such as fasting, and offering reverence to a\nlingam\n- an emblematic figure of Shiva.\n[\n8\n]\nDifferent legends describe the significance of Maha Shivaratri. According to one legend in the Shaivism tradition, this is the night when Shiva performs the heavenly dance of creation, preservation and destruction.\n[\n10\n]\n[\n11\n]\nThe chanting of hymns, the reading of Shiva scriptures and the chorus of devotees joins this cosmic dance and remembers Shiva's presence everywhere. According to another legend, this is the night when Shiva and Parvati got married.\n[\n10\n]\n[\n18\n]\nA different legend states the offering to Shiva icons such as the linga is an annual occasion to get over past sins if any, to restart on a virtuous path and thereby reach\nMount Kailasha\nand liberation.\n[\n10\n]\nIt is also believed that on this particular day Shiva gulped the\nhalahala\nproduced during the\nSamudra Manthana\nand beheld it in his neck which was bruised and turned blue, after which he acquired the epithet\nNilakantha\n. It is also believed that the famous\nNeelkanth Mahadev Temple\nis the place where this incident took place.\n[\ncitation needed\n]\nThe significance of dance tradition to this festival has historical roots. The Maha Shivaratri has served as a historic confluence of artists for annual dance festivals at major Hindu temples such as at\nKonark\n,\nKhajuraho\n,\nPattadakal\n,\nModhera\nand\nChidambaram\n.\n[\n19\n]\nThis event is called\nNatyanjali\n, literally \"worship through dance\", at the Chidambaram temple which is famous for its sculpture depicting all dance mudras in the ancient Hindu text of performance arts called\nNatya Shastra\n.\n[\n20\n]\n[\n21\n]\nSimilarly, at Khajuraho Shiva temples, a major fair and dance festival on Maha Shivaratri, involving Shaiva pilgrims camped over miles around the temple complex, was documented by Alexander Cunningham in 1864.\n[\n22\n]\nWorship\n[\nedit\n|\nedit source\n]\nIndia\n[\nedit\n|\nedit source\n]\nMahashivaratri is observed at night, usually in lighted temples or specially prepared\nprabha\n(above).\nMaha Shivaratri is celebrated in\nTamil Nadu\nwith great pomp and fanfare in the\nAnnamalaiyar\ntemple located in\nTiruvannamalai\ndistrict. The special process of worship on this day is  'Girivalam'\/Giri Pradakshina, a 14-kilometer bare foot walk around Shiva's temple on top of the hill. A huge lamp of oil and\ncamphor\nis lit on the hilltop at sunset - not to be confused with\nKarthigai Deepam\n.\n[\ncitation needed\n]\n. A ritual marathon is undertaken by the devotees to the 12 Shiva shrines in the district of\nKanyakumari\non the day of Shivaratri called\nSivalaya Ottam\n.\n[\ncitation needed\n]\nIn recent years, the\nIsha Foundation\nhas been a major patron of such festivities in India, with even\nPrime Minister\nNarendra Modi\nhaving attended the celebration hosted at the site of the\nGiant Adiyogi\nin\nCoimbatore\n.\n[\n23\n]\nThe major\nJyotirlinga\nShiva temples of India, such as in\nVaranasi\nand Somanatha, are particularly frequented on Maha Shivaratri. They serve also as sites for fairs and special events.\n[\n24\n]\n[\n25\n]\nIn\nAndhra Pradesh\nand\nTelangana\n, Special pujas are held at Pancharamas - Amararamam of\nAmaravati\n, Somaramam of\nBhimavaram\n,\nDraksharamam\n, Kumararama of\nSamarlakota\nand Ksheerarama of Palakollu. The days immediately after Shivaratri are celebrated as Brahmotsavaalu at\nSrisailam\n, one of 12 Jyotirlinga sites. Mahashivaratri utsavalu are held at the Rudreshwara Swamy's 1000 pillar temple in\nWarangal\n. Devotees throng for the special poojas at\nSrikalahasti\n,\nMahanandi\n,\nYaganti\n,\nAntarvedi\n,\nKattamanchi\n,\nPattiseema\n,\nBhairavakona\n,\nHanamkonda\n,\nKeesaragutta\n,\nVemulawada\n,\nPanagal\n,\nKolanupaka\namongst others. Shivaratri yatras are held at Mallayya gutta near Kambhalapalle, Gundlakamma Kona near Railway Koduru, Penchalakona, Bhairavakona, Uma Maheswaram amongst others.\nThe Mandi fair is in the town of\nMandi\nis particularly famous as a venue for Maha Shivaratri celebrations. It transforms the town as devotees pour in. It is believed that all gods and goddesses of the area, said to number more than 200, assemble here on the day of Maha Shivaratri. Mandi, located on the banks of\nBeas\n, is popularly known as the \"Cathedral of Temples\" and one of the oldest towns of Himachal Pradesh, with about 81 temples of different deities on its periphery.\n[\n26\n]\n[\n27\n]\n[\n28\n]\nIn\nKashmir Shaivism\n, Maha Shivaratri is celebrated by the\nHindus\nof\nKashmir\nand is called, \"Herath\" in Kashmiri, a word derived from the Sanskrit word \"Hararatri\" the \"Night of Hara\" (another name of Shiva).\nShivaratri\n, regarded as the most important festival of the community, for instance, is celebrated by them on trayodashi or the thirteenth of the dark half of the month of Phalguna (February–March) and not on the chaturdashi or the fourteenth as in the rest of the country. The reason for it is that this long drawn festival that is celebrated for one full fortnight as an elaborate ritual is associated with the appearance of\nBhairava\n(\nShiva\n) as a jvala-linga or a linga of flame. It has been described as Bhairavotsava in Tantric texts as on this occasion Bhairava and\nBhairavi\n, his Shakti or cosmic energy, are propitiated through Tantric worship.\n[\ncitation needed\n]\nAccording to the legend associated with the origin of the worship, the linga appeared at pradoshakala or the dusk of early night as a blazing column of fire and dazzled Vatuka Bhairava and Rama (or Ramana) Bhairava, Mahadevi's mind-born sons, who approached it to discover its beginning or end but miserably failed. Exasperated and terrified they began to sing its praises and went to Mahadevi, who herself merged with the awe-inspiring jvala-linga. The Goddess blessed both Vatuka and Ramana that they would be worshipped by human beings and would receive their share of sacrificial offerings on that day and those who would worship them would have all their wishes fulfilled. As Vatuka Bhairava emerged from a pitcher full of water after Mahadevi cast a glance into it, fully armed with all his weapons (and so did Rama), he is represented by a pitcher full of water in which walnuts are kept for soaking and worshipped along with Shiva, Parvati, Kumara, Ganesha, their ganas or attendant deities, yoginis and kshetrapalas (guardians of the quarters) – all represented by clay images. The soaked walnuts are later distributed as naivedya. The ceremony is called 'vatuk barun' in Kashmiri, which means filling the pitcher of water representing the Vatuka Bhairava with walnuts and worshipping it.\n[\ncitation needed\n]\nCentral India\nhas a large number of Shaiva followers. The\nMahakaleshwar Temple\n,\nUjjain\nis one of the most venerated shrines consecrated to Shiva, where a large congregation of devotees gathers to offer prayers on the day of Maha Shivaratri. Tilwara Ghat in the city of\nJabalpur\nand the Math Temple in the village of\nJeonara\n,\nSeoni\nare two other places where the festival is celebrated with much religious fervour.\nIn\nPunjab\n, Shobha Yatras would be organised by various Hindu organisations in different cities. It is a grand festival for\nPunjabi Hindus\n.\nIn\nGujarat\n, Maha Shivaratri mela is held at\nBhavnath\nnear\nJunagadh\nwhere bathing in the Mrugi (Mrigi) kund is considered holy. According to myth, Shiva himself comes to bath in the Mrugi kund.\n[\ncitation needed\n]\nIn\nWest Bengal\n, Maha Shivaratri is observed devoutly by unmarried girls and boys seeking a suitable husband or wife, often visiting\nTarakeswar\n.\n[\ncitation needed\n]\nIn\nOdisha\n, Maha Shivaratri is also known as\nJagara\n. People fast for their wishes whole day and take food after 'Mahadipa' (The great diya) rises at the top of Shiva temple. It usually is held during midnight. Unmarried girls also worship for seeking a suitable husband.\n[\ncitation needed\n]\nSpecial anointing rtiuals and worships were performed at the Karuvadikkuppam Kurusithananda Temple in Pondicherry on the eve of Maha Shivaratri with various items including milk and sandalwood for the Shivalingam. Also, a Natyanjali was held at the temple premises.\n[\n29\n]\n[\nbetter source needed\n]\nNepal\n[\nedit\n|\nedit source\n]\nFile:108 Night View Of Pashupatinath Temple.jpg\nPashupatinath Temple\nMaha Shivaratri is a national holiday in Nepal and celebrated widely in temples all over the country, especially in the\nPashupatinath temple\n. Thousands of devotees visit the famous\nShiva Shakti Peetham\nnearby as well. Holy rituals are performed all over the nation. Maha Shivaratri is celebrated as Nepali Army Day amid a spectacular ceremony held at the Army Pavilion,\nTundikhel\n.\n[\n30\n]\nArtists from various\nclassical music\nand dance forms perform through the night. On Maha Shivaratri, married women pray for the well-being of their husbands, while unmarried women pray for a husband like Shiva, considered as the ideal husband. Shiva is also worshipped as the Adi Guru (first teacher) from whom the divine wisdom originates.\n[\n31\n]\n[\n32\n]\nIn the capital city of Kathmandu, there is a provision of road blockage where children use ropes and strings to stop the people or vehicle passing through in exchange of money.\n[\n33\n]\nWorshippers of Shiva stay up all night and smoke marijuana as Shiva is believed to be an avid smoker and marijuana smoking on this day is called taking ‘Shivako Prasad’ or ‘Shiva Buti’ literally the \"Blessing of Shiva\".\n[\n34\n]\nCrowds of sadhus and saints travel to Pashupatinath Temple located in Kathmandu from all of Nepal and neighbouring India to celebrate the day and perform puja on this day.\n[\ncitation needed\n]\nPakistan\n[\nedit\n|\nedit source\n]\nAnother major temple where Shivaratri is celebrated is the\nShree Ratneshwar Mahadev Temple in Karachi\nwhose Shivaratri festival is attended by 25,000 people.\n[\n35\n]\nOn the Shivaratri night, Hindus in Karachi fast and visit the temple. Later, devotees from the\nChanesar Goth\ncome to the temple carrying water from the holy river\nGanges\n, in order to bathe the idol of\nShiva\n.\nPuja\nis performed until 5 am, when an\naarti\nis then done. Devotees then walk barefoot with women carrying a\npooja thali\ncontaining flowers, incense sticks, rice, coconut and a\ndiya\nto the sea after which they are free to break their fast. They eat breakfast later on, which was made in the temple kitchen.\n[\n36\n]\nOutside South Asia\n[\nedit\n|\nedit source\n]\nMaha Shivaratri is the main\nHindu festival\namong the\nShaiva Hindu diaspora\nfrom\nNepal\nand\nIndia\n. In\nIndo-Caribbean\ncommunities, thousands of Hindus spend the beautiful night in over four hundred temples across multiple countries, offering special\njhalls\n(an offering of milk and curd, flowers, sugarcane and sweets) to Shiva.\n[\n37\n]\nIn\nMauritius\n,\nHindus\ngo on pilgrimage to\nGanga Talao\n, a crater-lake.\n[\n38\n]\nSee also\n[\nedit\n|\nedit source\n]\nPradosha\nRudraksha\nVibhuti\nRudra\nLinga\nJangam\nReferences\n[\nedit\n|\nedit source\n]\n↑\nStephen Knapp (2012), Hindu Gods & Goddesses, Jaico Publishing House, India,\nISBN\n \n9788184953664\n, page 110\n↑\nMelton, J. Gordon (2011).\nReligious Celebrations: An Encyclopedia of Holidays, Festivals, Solemn Observances, and Spiritual Commemorations\n. ABC-CLIO. pp. 541–542.\nISBN\n \n978-1-59884-206-7\n.\n↑\n\"Mahashivratri\"\n. 27 December 2020\n. Retrieved\n17 February\n2022\n.\n↑\n\"2022 Hindu Festivals Calendar, Hindu Tyohar Calendar for Mumbai, Maharashtra, India\"\n.\n↑\nLLP, Adarsh Mobile Applications.\n\"2021 Maha Shivaratri | Shivratri Date and Time for New Delhi, NCT, India\"\n.\nDrikpanchang\n.\n↑\n\"2023 Hindu Festivals\"\n.\n↑\n7.0\n7.1\nLochtefeld, James G. (2002).\nThe Illustrated Encyclopedia of Hinduism: N-Z\n. Rosen. p. 637.\nISBN\n \n978-0-8239-3180-4\n.\n↑\n8.0\n8.1\n8.2\n8.3\n8.4\nJones, Constance; D. Ryan, James (2006).\nEncyclopedia of Hinduism\n. Infobase Publishing. p. 269.\nISBN\n \n978-0-8160-7564-5\n.\n↑\nCoulter, Charles Russell; Turner, Patricia (6 December 2021).\nEncyclopedia of Ancient Deities\n. McFarland. p. 428.\nISBN\n \n978-0-7864-9179-7\n.\n↑\n10.0\n10.1\n10.2\n10.3\nDhoraisingam, Samuel S. (2006).\nPeranakan Indians of Singapore and Melaka\n. Institute of Southeast Asian Studies. p. 35.\nISBN\n \n978-981-230-346-2\n.\n↑\n11.0\n11.1\nOm Prakash Juneja; Chandra Mohan (1990).\nAmbivalence: Studies in Canadian Literature\n. Allied. pp. 156–157.\nISBN\n \n978-81-7023-109-7\n.\n↑\nBrunn, Stanley D. (2015).\nThe Changing World Religion Map: Sacred Places, Identities, Practices and Politics\n. Springer. pp. 402–403.\nISBN\n \n978-94-017-9376-6\n.\n↑\nMaitra, Asim (1986).\nReligious Life of the Brahman: A Case Study of Maithil Brahmans\n. Munshilal. p. 125.\nISBN\n \n978-81-210-0171-7\n.\n↑\n\"Shiva\"\n.\nThe Theosophical Movement\n(reprint). TEOS, Theosophy Company, Mumbai.\n72\n(4): 137. 2002 [February 1962].\n↑\nMahashivaratri\nArchived\n27 March 2014 at the\nWayback Machine\n, Government of Orissa;\nMaha Shivaratri\n, Public Holidays\n↑\n\"This Mahashivratri, here are five Shiva mantras that will change your life for the better\"\n.\nTimes Now\n. 12 February 2018\n. Retrieved\n10 March\n2021\n.\n↑\n\"Mahashivratri 2020: Recite Shiva Chalisa on this auspicious day to impress Shiva and gain wealth and success\"\n.\nJagran English\n. 21 February 2020\n. Retrieved\n10 March\n2021\n.\n↑\nLeuthold, Steven (2010).\nCross-Cultural Issues in Art: Frames for Understanding\n. Routledge. pp. 142–143.\nISBN\n \n978-1-136-85455-2\n.\n↑\nPintchman, Tracy (2007).\nWomen's Lives, Women's Rituals in the Hindu Tradition\n.\nOxford University Press\n. pp. 194–195.\nISBN\n \n978-0-19-803934-1\n.\n↑\nPintchman, Tracy (2007).\nWomen's Lives, Women's Rituals in the Hindu Tradition\n. Oxford University Press. pp. 194–196.\nISBN\n \n978-0-19-803934-1\n.\n↑\nPugh McCutchen, Brenda (2006).\nTeaching Dance as Art in Education\n. Human Kinetics. p. 450.\nISBN\n \n978-0-7360-5188-0\n.\n↑\nShobita Punja (1999).\nKhajuraho: the first thousand years\n. Penguin Books. pp. 71–74.\nISBN\n \n9780670891900\n.\n↑\n\"Narendra Modi in Coimbatore as it happened: PM to unveil 112-foot Shiva idol at Isha Foundation event-India News , Firstpost\"\n.\nFirstpost\n. 24 February 2017\n. Retrieved\n4 March\n2022\n.\n↑\nEck, Diana L. (1982).\nBanras, City of Light\n. Knopf. pp. 113, 256, 276.\nISBN\n \n9780394519715\n.\n↑\n\"🔱Shivaratri - Shivaratri Dates, Schedule and Timing 2023 | Next Shivaratri festival on 18 February 2023\"\n.\nvaranasiguru.com\n. Retrieved\n11 February\n2023\n.\n↑\n\"International Shivaratri fair in Mandi\"\n. Himachal tourism. Archived from\nthe original\non 14 April 2010\n. Retrieved\n8 February\n2012\n.\n↑\n\"The International Festival\"\n. Archived from\nthe original\non 1 April 2009\n. Retrieved\n7 February\n2010\n.\n↑\n\"Mandi – The Seventh Heaven\"\n. Archived from\nthe original\non 10 April 2011\n. Retrieved\n7 February\n2010\n.\n↑\n\"You are being redirected...\"\ngiri.in\n. Retrieved\n11 February\n2022\n.\n↑\n\"Nepali Army | नेपाली सेना\"\n.\n↑\n\"Yoga in Nepal: Why is yoga Nepali best?\"\n. 10 April 2019\n. Retrieved\n3 April\n2022\n.\n↑\nLtd, Scenic Nepal Treks & Expedition Pvt.\n\"Shivaratri Festival in Nepal: Happy Shivaratri | Scenic Nepal Treks\"\n.\nwww.scenicnepaltreks.com\n. Retrieved\n3 April\n2022\n.\n↑\n\"Blocking the Roads: A Shivaratri Tradition That Needs Rethinking\"\n.\ndwitnews.com\n. Retrieved\n3 April\n2022\n.\n↑\n\"maha shivaratri\"\n.\nBorder Nepal Buddhi\n. Retrieved\n3 April\n2022\n.\n↑\n\"150-year-old Hindu temple under threat in Karachi\"\n.\nIndiatoday\n. 4 April 2014\n. Retrieved\n28 August\n2020\n.\n↑\nShazia Hasan (7 March 2016).\n\"Hindus celebrate Maha Shivratri festival in Karachi\"\n.\nDawn\n. Retrieved\n28 August\n2020\n.\n↑\n\"Trinidad Hindus observe Shivratri amid Carnival Celebration\"\n. Repeating Islands. 2 March 2014\n. Retrieved\n31 August\n2016\n.\n↑\n\"The sacred lake of Ganga Talao\"\n. CNN. 3 May 2016\n. Retrieved\n12 June\n2018\n.\nExternal links\n[\nedit\n|\nedit source\n]\nMaha Shivaratri celebrations in the USA by The Pluralism Project\nMahashivratri images\nTemplate:Sindhi festivals\nTemplate:Public holidays in Sri Lanka","attrs_markdown":"menu\n\nMain menu\n\nnavigation\n\n- [Main page](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Main_Page)\n- [contents](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Bharatpedia:Contents)\n- [Current events](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Bharatpedia:Current_events)\n- [Random article](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Special:Random)\n- [About](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Bharatpedia:About)\n- [Contact us](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Bharatpedia:Contact_us)\n\nContribute\n\n- [Help](https:\/\/www.mediawiki.org\/wiki\/Special:MyLanguage\/Help:Contents)\n- [Contribute](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Help:Introduction)\n- [Community portal](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Bharatpedia:Community_portal)\n- [Recent 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[History](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Maha_Shivaratri&action=history)\n\n[content\\_copyCite](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri)[shareShare](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri)\n\n## Top Questions\nShow more\n\nmenu\\_book\n\n[edit](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Maha_Shivaratri&action=edit \"Edit this page\")\n\nmore\\_vert\n\n[Printable version]()[Permanent link](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Maha_Shivaratri&oldid=380771)[Page information](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Maha_Shivaratri&action=info)[Cite this page](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Special:CiteThisPage&page=Maha_Shivaratri&id=380771&wpFormIdentifier=titleform)\n\n![]()\n\n| Maha Shivaratri |   |\n|---|---|\n| [File:02 Mahashivratree festival.JPG](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Special:Upload&wpDestFile=02_Mahashivratree_festival.JPG \"File:02 Mahashivratree festival.JPG\")Meditating Shiva statue on Maha-Shivaratri |   |\n| Observed by | [Hindus](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Hindus \"Hindus\") |\n| Type | Religious |\n| Significance | Commemoration of the wedding of Shiva and Parvati Veneration of the Tandava dance of Shiva Manifestation of the lingam[\\[1\\]](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_note-SK-1) |\n| Observances | Fasting Self-study [Jagarana](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Jagran \"Jagran\") [Lingam](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Lingam \"Lingam\") [puja](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Puja_\\(Hinduism\\) \"Puja (Hinduism)\") [Yoga](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Yoga \"Yoga\")[\\[2\\]](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_note-Melton2011p541-2) |\n| Frequency | Annual |\n\n|   |\n|---|\n| Hindu festival dates The [Hindu calendar](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Astronomical_basis_of_the_Hindu_calendar \"Astronomical basis of the Hindu calendar\") is lunisolar but most festival dates are specified using the lunar portion of the calendar. A lunar day is uniquely identified by three calendar elements: [*māsa*](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Astronomical_basis_of_the_Hindu_calendar#chandramasa \"Astronomical basis of the Hindu calendar\") (lunar month), [*pakṣa*](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Astronomical_basis_of_the_Hindu_calendar#paksha \"Astronomical basis of the Hindu calendar\") (lunar fortnight) and [*tithi*](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Astronomical_basis_of_the_Hindu_calendar#tithi \"Astronomical basis of the Hindu calendar\") (lunar day). Furthermore, when specifying the masa, one of two traditions are applicable, viz. [*amānta*](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Hindu_calendar#amanta \"Hindu calendar\") \/ [*pūrṇimānta*](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Hindu_calendar#purnimanta \"Hindu calendar\"). [Iff](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Iff&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Iff (page does not exist)\") a festival falls in the waning phase of the moon, these two traditions identify the same lunar day as falling in two different (but successive) masa. A lunar year is shorter than a solar year by about eleven days. As a result, most Hindu festivals occur on different days in successive years on the Gregorian calendar. |\n| [v](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Template:Hindu_festival_date_info \"Template:Hindu festival date info\") [t](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Template_talk:Hindu_festival_date_info&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Template talk:Hindu festival date info (page does not exist)\") [e](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Template:Hindu_festival_date_info&action=edit) |\n\n|   |\n|---|\n| Part of [a series](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Category:Shaivism \"Category:Shaivism\") on |\n| [Shaivism](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Shaivism \"Shaivism\") |\n| [File:SaivismFlag.svg](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Special:Upload&wpDestFile=SaivismFlag.svg \"File:SaivismFlag.svg\") |\n| Deities **[Paramashiva](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Parameshwara_\\(god\\)&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Parameshwara (god) (page does not exist)\")** *(Supreme being)* [Shiva](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Shiva \"Shiva\") [Sadasiva](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Sadasiva \"Sadasiva\") [Bhairava](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Bhairava \"Bhairava\") [Rudra](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Rudra \"Rudra\") [Virabhadra](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Virabhadra \"Virabhadra\") [Shakti](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Shakti \"Shakti\") [Parvati](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Parvati \"Parvati\") [Sati](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Sati_\\(Hindu_goddess\\) \"Sati (Hindu goddess)\") [Durga](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Durga \"Durga\") [Kali](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Kali \"Kali\") [Ganesha](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Ganesha \"Ganesha\") [Kartikeya](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Kartikeya \"Kartikeya\") [Sastha](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Sastha&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Sastha (page does not exist)\") [Shiva forms](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Maheshwara_murtams&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Maheshwara murtams (page does not exist)\") [Others](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=List_of_Hindu_deities&action=edit&redlink=1 \"List of Hindu deities (page does not exist)\") |\n| Scriptures and texts [Vedas](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Vedas \"Vedas\") [Upanishads](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Shaiva_Upanishads&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Shaiva Upanishads (page does not exist)\") ([Svetasvatara](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Shvetashvatara_Upanishad \"Shvetashvatara Upanishad\")) [Agamas](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/%C4%80gama_\\(Hinduism\\) \"Āgama (Hinduism)\") and [Tantras](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Tantras&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Tantras (page does not exist)\") [Shivasutras](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Shiva_Sutras_of_Vasugupta&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Shiva Sutras of Vasugupta (page does not exist)\") [Tirumurai](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Tirumurai \"Tirumurai\") [Vachanas](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Vachana_sahitya \"Vachana sahitya\") |\n| Philosophy Three Components [Pati](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Pashupati \"Pashupati\") [Pashu](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/%C4%80tman_\\(Hinduism\\) \"Ātman (Hinduism)\") [Pasam](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Pasam_\\(Saivism\\)&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Pasam (Saivism) (page does not exist)\") Three bondages [Anava](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Anava&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Anava (page does not exist)\") [Karma](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Karma \"Karma\") [Maya](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Maya_\\(illusion\\)&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Maya (illusion) (page does not exist)\") [36 Tattvas](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Tattva_\\(Shaivism\\)&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Tattva (Shaivism) (page does not exist)\") [Yoga](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Yoga \"Yoga\") [Satkaryavada](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Satkaryavada&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Satkaryavada (page does not exist)\") [Abhasavada](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Abhasavada \"Abhasavada\") [Svatantrya](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Svatantrya&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Svatantrya (page does not exist)\") [Aham](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Aham_\\(Kashmir_Shaivism\\) \"Aham (Kashmir Shaivism)\") |\n| Practices [Vibhuti](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Vibhuti&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Vibhuti (page does not exist)\") [Rudraksha](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Rudraksha \"Rudraksha\") [Panchakshara](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Om_Namah_Shivaya&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Om Namah Shivaya (page does not exist)\") [Bilva](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Aegle_marmelos&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Aegle marmelos (page does not exist)\") [Maha Shivaratri]() [Yamas](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Yamas \"Yamas\")\\-[Niyamas](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Niyama \"Niyama\") [Guru](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Guru \"Guru\")\\-[Linga](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Lingam \"Lingam\")\\-[Jangam](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Jangam \"Jangam\") |\n| Schools **Adi Margam** [Pashupata](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Pashupata_Shaivism \"Pashupata Shaivism\") [Kalamukha](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Kalamukha \"Kalamukha\") [Kapalika](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Kapalika \"Kapalika\") **[Mantra Margam](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Mantra_marga&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Mantra marga (page does not exist)\")** *Saiddhantika* [Siddhantism](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Shaiva_Siddhanta&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Shaiva Siddhanta (page does not exist)\") *Non - Saiddhantika* [Kashmir Shaivism](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Kashmir_Shaivism&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Kashmir Shaivism (page does not exist)\") [Pratyabhijna](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Pratyabhijna \"Pratyabhijna\") [Vama](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Vamachara&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Vamachara (page does not exist)\") [Dakshina](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Dakshina \"Dakshina\") [Kaula](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Kaula_\\(Hinduism\\)&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Kaula (Hinduism) (page does not exist)\"): [Trika](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Trika&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Trika (page does not exist)\")\\-[Yamala](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Yamala&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Yamala (page does not exist)\")\\-[Kubjika](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Kubjika&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Kubjika (page does not exist)\")\\-[Netra](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Netra_Tantra \"Netra Tantra\") **Others** [Nath](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Nath&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Nath (page does not exist)\") [Inchegeri](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Inchegeri_Sampradaya \"Inchegeri Sampradaya\") [Veerashaiva](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Veerashaiva \"Veerashaiva\")\/[Lingayatism](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Lingayatism \"Lingayatism\") [Siddharism](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Siddhar \"Siddhar\") [Sroutaism](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/%C5%9Arauta \"Śrauta\") [Aghori](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Aghori \"Aghori\") [Indonesian](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Hinduism_in_Indonesia&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Hinduism in Indonesia (page does not exist)\") |\n| Scholars [Lakulisha](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Lakulisha \"Lakulisha\") [Abhinavagupta](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Abhinavagupta&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Abhinavagupta (page does not exist)\") [Vasugupta](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Vasugupta \"Vasugupta\") [Utpaladeva](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Utpaladeva \"Utpaladeva\") [Nayanars](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Nayanars \"Nayanars\") [Meykandar](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Meykandar \"Meykandar\") [Nirartha](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Dang_Hyang_Nirartha&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Dang Hyang Nirartha (page does not exist)\") [Basava](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Basava \"Basava\") [Sharana](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Sharana_\\(Hinduism\\) \"Sharana (Hinduism)\") [Srikantha](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Shiva_Advaita \"Shiva Advaita\") [Appayya](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Appayya_Dikshita \"Appayya Dikshita\") [Navnath](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Navnath&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Navnath (page does not exist)\") |\n| Related [Nandi](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Nandi_\\(bull\\) \"Nandi (bull)\") [Tantrism](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Tantra&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Tantra (page does not exist)\") [Bhakti](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Bhakti \"Bhakti\") [Jyotirlinga](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Jyotirlinga \"Jyotirlinga\") [Shiva Temples](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Template:Shiva_temples \"Template:Shiva temples\") |\n| [v](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Template:Saivism \"Template:Saivism\") [t](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Template_talk:Saivism&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Template talk:Saivism (page does not exist)\") [e](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Template:Saivism&action=edit) |\n\n**Maha Shivaratri** ([Sanskrit](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Sanskrit_language \"Sanskrit language\"): महाशिवरात्रि, romanized:*Mahāśivarātri*, [lit.](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Literal_translation \"Literal translation\")'The Great Night of Shiva') is a [Hindu festival](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Hindu_festival&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Hindu festival (page does not exist)\") celebrated annually in honour of the deity [Shiva](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Shiva \"Shiva\"), between February and March.[\\[7\\]](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_note-:0-7) According to the [Hindu calendar](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Hindu_calendar \"Hindu calendar\"), the festival is observed on the fourteenth day of the dark (waning) half of the lunar month of [Phalguna](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Phalguna \"Phalguna\") or [Magha](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Magha_\\(month\\) \"Magha (month)\").[\\[7\\]](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_note-:0-7)[\\[8\\]](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_note-JonesRyan2006p269-8) The festival also commemorates the wedding of Shiva and [Parvati](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Parvati \"Parvati\"),[\\[9\\]](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_note-9) and the occasion that the Shiva performs his divine dance, called the [Tandava](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Tandava \"Tandava\").[\\[10\\]](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_note-Dhoraisingam35-10)[\\[11\\]](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_note-auto1-11)\n\nIt is a notable festival in [Hinduism](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Hinduism \"Hinduism\"), marking a remembrance of \"overcoming darkness and ignorance\" in life and the world. It is observed by remembering Shiva and chanting prayers, [fasting](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Vrata \"Vrata\"), and meditating on ethics and virtues such as honesty, non-injury to others, charity, forgiveness, and the discovery of Shiva.[\\[8\\]](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_note-JonesRyan2006p269-8) Ardent devotees stay awake throughout this night. Others visit one of the Shiva temples or go on a pilgrimage to the [Jyotirlingams](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Jyotirlingam&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Jyotirlingam (page does not exist)\"). The festival is believed to have originated in 5th century BCE.[\\[8\\]](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_note-JonesRyan2006p269-8)\n\nIn [Kashmir Shaivism](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Kashmir_Shaivism&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Kashmir Shaivism (page does not exist)\"), the festival is called **Har-ratri** or phonetically simpler **Haerath** or **Herath** by Shiva devotees of the Kashmir region.[\\[12\\]](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_note-brunn402-12)[\\[13\\]](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_note-maitra125-13)\n\n## Contents\n- [1 Description](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri#Description)\n- [2 Legend and significance](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri#Legend_and_significance)\n- [3 Worship](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri#Worship)\n  - [3\\.1 India](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri#India)\n  - [3\\.2 Nepal](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri#Nepal)\n  - [3\\.3 Pakistan](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri#Pakistan)\n  - [3\\.4 Outside South Asia](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri#Outside_South_Asia)\n- [4 See also](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri#See_also)\n- [5 References](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri#References)\n- [6 External links](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri#External_links)\n## Description\\[[edit](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Maha_Shivaratri&veaction=edit&section=1 \"Edit section: Description\") \\| [edit source](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Maha_Shivaratri&action=edit&section=1 \"Edit section's source code: Description\")\\]\n**A festival of contemplation**\n\nDuring the Vigil Night of Shiva, Mahashivaratri,   \n we are brought to the moment of interval   \n between destruction and regeneration;   \n it symbolizes the night   \n when we must contemplate on that which   \n watches the growth out of the decay.   \n During Mahashivaratri we have to be alone   \n with our sword, the Shiva out of us.   \n We have to look behind and before,   \n to see what evil needs eradicating from our heart,   \n what growth of virtue we need to encourage.  \n Shiva is not only outside of us but within us.   \n To unite ourselves with the One Self   \n is to recognize the Shiva in us.\n\n—*The Theosophical Movement, Volume 72*[\\[14\\]](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_note-14)\n\nMaha Shivaratri is particularly important in the [Shaivism](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Shaivism \"Shaivism\") tradition of [Hinduism](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Hinduism \"Hinduism\"). Unlike most Hindu festivals which are celebrated during the day, Maha Shivaratri is celebrated at night. Furthermore, unlike most Hindu festivals which include expression of cultural revelry, the Maha Shivaratri is a solemn event notable for its introspective focus, fasting, [meditation](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Meditation&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Meditation (page does not exist)\") on Shiva, self study, social harmony and an all-night vigil at Shiva temples.[\\[8\\]](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_note-JonesRyan2006p269-8)\n\nThe celebration includes maintaining a [jagaran](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Jagran \"Jagran\"), an all-night vigil and prayers, because Shaiva Hindus mark this night as \"overcoming darkness and ignorance\" in one's life and the world through [Shiva](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Shiva \"Shiva\"). Offerings of fruits, leaves, sweets and milk are made to Shiva, some perform all-day fasting with Vedic or tantric worship of Shiva, and some perform meditative [yoga](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Yoga \"Yoga\").[\\[15\\]](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_note-15) In Shiva temples, the sacred Panchakshari [mantra](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Mantra \"Mantra\") of Shiva, \"[Om Namah Shivaya](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Om_Namah_Shivaya&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Om Namah Shivaya (page does not exist)\")\" is chanted throughout the day.[\\[16\\]](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_note-16) Devotees praise Shiva through the recitation of the hymn called the [Shiv Chalisa](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Shiv_Chalisa \"Shiv Chalisa\").[\\[17\\]](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_note-17)\n\n## Legend and significance\\[[edit](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Maha_Shivaratri&veaction=edit&section=2 \"Edit section: Legend and significance\") \\| [edit source](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Maha_Shivaratri&action=edit&section=2 \"Edit section's source code: Legend and significance\")\\]\n[File:Flickr - dalbera - Shiva Natarâdja, Seigneur de la Danse (musée Guimet).jpg](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Special:Upload&wpDestFile=Flickr_-_dalbera_-_Shiva_Natar%C3%A2dja,_Seigneur_de_la_Danse_\\(mus%C3%A9e_Guimet\\).jpg \"File:Flickr - dalbera - Shiva Natarâdja, Seigneur de la Danse (musée Guimet).jpg\")\n\nMany legends explain the significance of Maha Shivaratri, one being it is the night of [Shiva's dance](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Nataraja \"Nataraja\").\n\n[File:Mahashivratri festival , Maharashtra.jpg](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Special:Upload&wpDestFile=Mahashivratri_festival_,_Maharashtra.jpg \"File:Mahashivratri festival , Maharashtra.jpg\")\n\nMaha Shivaratri in [Maharashtra](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maharashtra \"Maharashtra\")\n\nThe Maha Shivaratri is mentioned in several [Puranas](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Puranas \"Puranas\"), particularly the *[Skanda Purana](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Skanda_Purana \"Skanda Purana\")*, *[Linga Purana](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Linga_Purana \"Linga Purana\"),* and *[Padma Purana](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Padma_Purana \"Padma Purana\")*. These medieval era Shaiva texts present different versions associated with this festival, such as fasting, and offering reverence to a [lingam](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Lingam \"Lingam\") - an emblematic figure of Shiva.[\\[8\\]](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_note-JonesRyan2006p269-8)\n\nDifferent legends describe the significance of Maha Shivaratri. According to one legend in the Shaivism tradition, this is the night when Shiva performs the heavenly dance of creation, preservation and destruction.[\\[10\\]](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_note-Dhoraisingam35-10)[\\[11\\]](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_note-auto1-11) The chanting of hymns, the reading of Shiva scriptures and the chorus of devotees joins this cosmic dance and remembers Shiva's presence everywhere. According to another legend, this is the night when Shiva and Parvati got married.[\\[10\\]](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_note-Dhoraisingam35-10)[\\[18\\]](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_note-18) A different legend states the offering to Shiva icons such as the linga is an annual occasion to get over past sins if any, to restart on a virtuous path and thereby reach [Mount Kailasha](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Mount_Kailasha&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Mount Kailasha (page does not exist)\") and liberation.[\\[10\\]](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_note-Dhoraisingam35-10) It is also believed that on this particular day Shiva gulped the [halahala](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Halahala&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Halahala (page does not exist)\") produced during the [Samudra Manthana](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Samudra_manthan \"Samudra manthan\") and beheld it in his neck which was bruised and turned blue, after which he acquired the epithet [Nilakantha](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Nilakanta_\\(Hinduism\\) \"Nilakanta (Hinduism)\"). It is also believed that the famous [Neelkanth Mahadev Temple](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Neelkanth_Mahadev_Temple&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Neelkanth Mahadev Temple (page does not exist)\") is the place where this incident took place.\\[*[citation needed](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Bharatpedia:Citation_needed \"Bharatpedia:Citation needed\")*\\]\n\nThe significance of dance tradition to this festival has historical roots. The Maha Shivaratri has served as a historic confluence of artists for annual dance festivals at major Hindu temples such as at [Konark](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Konark_Sun_Temple \"Konark Sun Temple\"), [Khajuraho](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Khajuraho_Group_of_Monuments \"Khajuraho Group of Monuments\"), [Pattadakal](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Pattadakal \"Pattadakal\"), [Modhera](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Sun_Temple,_Modhera \"Sun Temple, Modhera\") and [Chidambaram](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Thillai_Nataraja_Temple,_Chidambaram&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Thillai Nataraja Temple, Chidambaram (page does not exist)\").[\\[19\\]](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_note-19) This event is called *Natyanjali*, literally \"worship through dance\", at the Chidambaram temple which is famous for its sculpture depicting all dance mudras in the ancient Hindu text of performance arts called *[Natya Shastra](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Natya_Shastra \"Natya Shastra\")*.[\\[20\\]](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_note-20)[\\[21\\]](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_note-21) Similarly, at Khajuraho Shiva temples, a major fair and dance festival on Maha Shivaratri, involving Shaiva pilgrims camped over miles around the temple complex, was documented by Alexander Cunningham in 1864.[\\[22\\]](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_note-22)\n\n## Worship\\[[edit](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Maha_Shivaratri&veaction=edit&section=3 \"Edit section: Worship\") \\| [edit source](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Maha_Shivaratri&action=edit&section=3 \"Edit section's source code: Worship\")\\]\nSee also: [Mandi Shivaratri Fair](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Mandi_Shivaratri_Fair \"Mandi Shivaratri Fair\")\n\n### India\\[[edit](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Maha_Shivaratri&veaction=edit&section=4 \"Edit section: India\") \\| [edit source](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Maha_Shivaratri&action=edit&section=4 \"Edit section's source code: India\")\\]\n[File:Prabha 09.jpg](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Special:Upload&wpDestFile=Prabha_09.jpg \"File:Prabha 09.jpg\")\n\n[File:Kotappakonda.jpg](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Special:Upload&wpDestFile=Kotappakonda.jpg \"File:Kotappakonda.jpg\")\n\nMahashivaratri is observed at night, usually in lighted temples or specially prepared *prabha* (above).\n\nMaha Shivaratri is celebrated in [Tamil Nadu](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Tamil_Nadu \"Tamil Nadu\") with great pomp and fanfare in the [Annamalaiyar](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Arunachalesvara_Temple&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Arunachalesvara Temple (page does not exist)\") temple located in [Tiruvannamalai](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Tiruvannamalai \"Tiruvannamalai\") district. The special process of worship on this day is 'Girivalam'\/Giri Pradakshina, a 14-kilometer bare foot walk around Shiva's temple on top of the hill. A huge lamp of oil and [camphor](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Camphor&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Camphor (page does not exist)\") is lit on the hilltop at sunset - not to be confused with [Karthigai Deepam](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Karthigai_Deepam&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Karthigai Deepam (page does not exist)\").\\[*[citation needed](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Bharatpedia:Citation_needed \"Bharatpedia:Citation needed\")*\\]. A ritual marathon is undertaken by the devotees to the 12 Shiva shrines in the district of [Kanyakumari](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Kanyakumari \"Kanyakumari\") on the day of Shivaratri called [Sivalaya Ottam](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Sivalaya_Ottam \"Sivalaya Ottam\").\\[*[citation needed](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Bharatpedia:Citation_needed \"Bharatpedia:Citation needed\")*\\] In recent years, the [Isha Foundation](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Isha_Foundation&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Isha Foundation (page does not exist)\") has been a major patron of such festivities in India, with even [Prime Minister](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Prime_Minister_of_India \"Prime Minister of India\") [Narendra Modi](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Narendra_Modi \"Narendra Modi\") having attended the celebration hosted at the site of the [Giant Adiyogi](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Adiyogi_Shiva_statue \"Adiyogi Shiva statue\") in [Coimbatore](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Coimbatore \"Coimbatore\").[\\[23\\]](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_note-23)\n\nThe major [Jyotirlinga](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Jyotirlinga \"Jyotirlinga\") Shiva temples of India, such as in [Varanasi](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Varanasi \"Varanasi\") and Somanatha, are particularly frequented on Maha Shivaratri. They serve also as sites for fairs and special events.[\\[24\\]](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_note-24)[\\[25\\]](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_note-25)\n\nIn [Andhra Pradesh](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Andhra_Pradesh \"Andhra Pradesh\") and [Telangana](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Telangana \"Telangana\"), Special pujas are held at Pancharamas - Amararamam of [Amaravati](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Amaravati \"Amaravati\"), Somaramam of [Bhimavaram](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Bhimavaram \"Bhimavaram\"), [Draksharamam](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Draksharamam&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Draksharamam (page does not exist)\"), Kumararama of [Samarlakota](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Samarlakota&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Samarlakota (page does not exist)\") and Ksheerarama of Palakollu. The days immediately after Shivaratri are celebrated as Brahmotsavaalu at [Srisailam](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Srisailam \"Srisailam\"), one of 12 Jyotirlinga sites. Mahashivaratri utsavalu are held at the Rudreshwara Swamy's 1000 pillar temple in [Warangal](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Warangal \"Warangal\"). Devotees throng for the special poojas at [Srikalahasti](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Srikalahasti \"Srikalahasti\"), [Mahanandi](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Mahanandi&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Mahanandi (page does not exist)\"), [Yaganti](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Yaganti_temple \"Yaganti temple\"), [Antarvedi](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Antarvedi \"Antarvedi\"), [Kattamanchi](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Kattamanchi \"Kattamanchi\"), [Pattiseema](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Pattiseema \"Pattiseema\"), [Bhairavakona](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Bhairavakona \"Bhairavakona\"), [Hanamkonda](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Hanamkonda \"Hanamkonda\"), [Keesaragutta](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Keesaragutta_Temple \"Keesaragutta Temple\"), [Vemulawada](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Vemulawada,_Rajanna_Sircilla_district \"Vemulawada, Rajanna Sircilla district\"), [Panagal](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Panagal,_Nalgonda_district \"Panagal, Nalgonda district\"), [Kolanupaka](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Kulpakji \"Kulpakji\") amongst others. Shivaratri yatras are held at Mallayya gutta near Kambhalapalle, Gundlakamma Kona near Railway Koduru, Penchalakona, Bhairavakona, Uma Maheswaram amongst others.\n\nThe Mandi fair is in the town of [Mandi](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Mandi,_Himachal_Pradesh \"Mandi, Himachal Pradesh\") is particularly famous as a venue for Maha Shivaratri celebrations. It transforms the town as devotees pour in. It is believed that all gods and goddesses of the area, said to number more than 200, assemble here on the day of Maha Shivaratri. Mandi, located on the banks of [Beas](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Beas_River \"Beas River\"), is popularly known as the \"Cathedral of Temples\" and one of the oldest towns of Himachal Pradesh, with about 81 temples of different deities on its periphery.[\\[26\\]](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_note-mandi-26)[\\[27\\]](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_note-shiv-27)[\\[28\\]](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_note-heaven-28)\n\nIn [Kashmir Shaivism](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Kashmir_Shaivism&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Kashmir Shaivism (page does not exist)\"), Maha Shivaratri is celebrated by the [Hindus](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Hindus \"Hindus\") of [Kashmir](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Kashmir \"Kashmir\") and is called, \"Herath\" in Kashmiri, a word derived from the Sanskrit word \"Hararatri\" the \"Night of Hara\" (another name of Shiva). [Shivaratri](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Shivaratri \"Shivaratri\"), regarded as the most important festival of the community, for instance, is celebrated by them on trayodashi or the thirteenth of the dark half of the month of Phalguna (February–March) and not on the chaturdashi or the fourteenth as in the rest of the country. The reason for it is that this long drawn festival that is celebrated for one full fortnight as an elaborate ritual is associated with the appearance of [Bhairava](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Bhairava \"Bhairava\") ([Shiva](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Shiva \"Shiva\")) as a jvala-linga or a linga of flame. It has been described as Bhairavotsava in Tantric texts as on this occasion Bhairava and [Bhairavi](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Bhairavi \"Bhairavi\"), his Shakti or cosmic energy, are propitiated through Tantric worship.\\[*[citation needed](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Bharatpedia:Citation_needed \"Bharatpedia:Citation needed\")*\\]\n\nAccording to the legend associated with the origin of the worship, the linga appeared at pradoshakala or the dusk of early night as a blazing column of fire and dazzled Vatuka Bhairava and Rama (or Ramana) Bhairava, Mahadevi's mind-born sons, who approached it to discover its beginning or end but miserably failed. Exasperated and terrified they began to sing its praises and went to Mahadevi, who herself merged with the awe-inspiring jvala-linga. The Goddess blessed both Vatuka and Ramana that they would be worshipped by human beings and would receive their share of sacrificial offerings on that day and those who would worship them would have all their wishes fulfilled. As Vatuka Bhairava emerged from a pitcher full of water after Mahadevi cast a glance into it, fully armed with all his weapons (and so did Rama), he is represented by a pitcher full of water in which walnuts are kept for soaking and worshipped along with Shiva, Parvati, Kumara, Ganesha, their ganas or attendant deities, yoginis and kshetrapalas (guardians of the quarters) – all represented by clay images. The soaked walnuts are later distributed as naivedya. The ceremony is called 'vatuk barun' in Kashmiri, which means filling the pitcher of water representing the Vatuka Bhairava with walnuts and worshipping it.\\[*[citation needed](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Bharatpedia:Citation_needed \"Bharatpedia:Citation needed\")*\\]\n\n[Central India](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Central_India \"Central India\") has a large number of Shaiva followers. The [Mahakaleshwar Temple](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Mahakaleshwar_Temple&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Mahakaleshwar Temple (page does not exist)\"), [Ujjain](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Ujjain \"Ujjain\") is one of the most venerated shrines consecrated to Shiva, where a large congregation of devotees gathers to offer prayers on the day of Maha Shivaratri. Tilwara Ghat in the city of [Jabalpur](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Jabalpur \"Jabalpur\") and the Math Temple in the village of [Jeonara](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Jeonara \"Jeonara\"), [Seoni](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Seoni&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Seoni (page does not exist)\") are two other places where the festival is celebrated with much religious fervour.\n\nIn [Punjab](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Punjab,_India \"Punjab, India\"), Shobha Yatras would be organised by various Hindu organisations in different cities. It is a grand festival for [Punjabi Hindus](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Punjabi_Hindus \"Punjabi Hindus\").\n\nIn [Gujarat](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Gujarat \"Gujarat\"), Maha Shivaratri mela is held at [Bhavnath](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Bhavnath \"Bhavnath\") near [Junagadh](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Junagadh \"Junagadh\") where bathing in the Mrugi (Mrigi) kund is considered holy. According to myth, Shiva himself comes to bath in the Mrugi kund.\\[*[citation needed](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Bharatpedia:Citation_needed \"Bharatpedia:Citation needed\")*\\]\n\nIn [West Bengal](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/West_Bengal \"West Bengal\"), Maha Shivaratri is observed devoutly by unmarried girls and boys seeking a suitable husband or wife, often visiting [Tarakeswar](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Tarakeswar \"Tarakeswar\").\\[*[citation needed](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Bharatpedia:Citation_needed \"Bharatpedia:Citation needed\")*\\]\n\nIn [Odisha](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Odisha \"Odisha\"), Maha Shivaratri is also known as *Jagara*. People fast for their wishes whole day and take food after 'Mahadipa' (The great diya) rises at the top of Shiva temple. It usually is held during midnight. Unmarried girls also worship for seeking a suitable husband.\\[*[citation needed](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Bharatpedia:Citation_needed \"Bharatpedia:Citation needed\")*\\]\n\nSpecial anointing rtiuals and worships were performed at the Karuvadikkuppam Kurusithananda Temple in Pondicherry on the eve of Maha Shivaratri with various items including milk and sandalwood for the Shivalingam. Also, a Natyanjali was held at the temple premises.[\\[29\\]](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_note-29)\\[*[better source needed](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=BP:NOTRS&action=edit&redlink=1 \"BP:NOTRS (page does not exist)\")*\\]\n\n### Nepal\\[[edit](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Maha_Shivaratri&veaction=edit&section=5 \"Edit section: Nepal\") \\| [edit source](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Maha_Shivaratri&action=edit&section=5 \"Edit section's source code: Nepal\")\\]\n[File:108 Night View Of Pashupatinath Temple.jpg](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Special:Upload&wpDestFile=108_Night_View_Of_Pashupatinath_Temple.jpg \"File:108 Night View Of Pashupatinath Temple.jpg\")\n\nPashupatinath Temple\n\nMaha Shivaratri is a national holiday in Nepal and celebrated widely in temples all over the country, especially in the [Pashupatinath temple](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Pashupatinath_temple&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Pashupatinath temple (page does not exist)\"). Thousands of devotees visit the famous [Shiva Shakti Peetham](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Shakti_Peetha&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Shakti Peetha (page does not exist)\") nearby as well. Holy rituals are performed all over the nation. Maha Shivaratri is celebrated as Nepali Army Day amid a spectacular ceremony held at the Army Pavilion, [Tundikhel](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Tundikhel&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Tundikhel (page does not exist)\").[\\[30\\]](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_note-30) Artists from various [classical music](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Classical_music&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Classical music (page does not exist)\") and dance forms perform through the night. On Maha Shivaratri, married women pray for the well-being of their husbands, while unmarried women pray for a husband like Shiva, considered as the ideal husband. Shiva is also worshipped as the Adi Guru (first teacher) from whom the divine wisdom originates.[\\[31\\]](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_note-31)[\\[32\\]](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_note-32) In the capital city of Kathmandu, there is a provision of road blockage where children use ropes and strings to stop the people or vehicle passing through in exchange of money.[\\[33\\]](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_note-33) Worshippers of Shiva stay up all night and smoke marijuana as Shiva is believed to be an avid smoker and marijuana smoking on this day is called taking ‘Shivako Prasad’ or ‘Shiva Buti’ literally the \"Blessing of Shiva\".[\\[34\\]](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_note-34) Crowds of sadhus and saints travel to Pashupatinath Temple located in Kathmandu from all of Nepal and neighbouring India to celebrate the day and perform puja on this day.\\[*[citation needed](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Bharatpedia:Citation_needed \"Bharatpedia:Citation needed\")*\\]\n\n### Pakistan\\[[edit](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Maha_Shivaratri&veaction=edit&section=6 \"Edit section: Pakistan\") \\| [edit source](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Maha_Shivaratri&action=edit&section=6 \"Edit section's source code: Pakistan\")\\]\nAnother major temple where Shivaratri is celebrated is the [Shree Ratneshwar Mahadev Temple in Karachi](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Shree_Ratneshwar_Mahadev_Temple,_Karachi&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Shree Ratneshwar Mahadev Temple, Karachi (page does not exist)\") whose Shivaratri festival is attended by 25,000 people.[\\[35\\]](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_note-35) On the Shivaratri night, Hindus in Karachi fast and visit the temple. Later, devotees from the [Chanesar Goth](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Chanesar_Goth&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Chanesar Goth (page does not exist)\") come to the temple carrying water from the holy river [Ganges](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Ganges \"Ganges\"), in order to bathe the idol of [Shiva](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Lord_Shiva&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Lord Shiva (page does not exist)\"). [Puja](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Puja_\\(Hinduism\\) \"Puja (Hinduism)\") is performed until 5 am, when an [aarti](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Aarti \"Aarti\") is then done. Devotees then walk barefoot with women carrying a [pooja thali](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Pooja_thali&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Pooja thali (page does not exist)\") containing flowers, incense sticks, rice, coconut and a [diya](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Diya_\\(lamp\\) \"Diya (lamp)\") to the sea after which they are free to break their fast. They eat breakfast later on, which was made in the temple kitchen.[\\[36\\]](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_note-Shazia_Hasan-36)\n\n### Outside South Asia\\[[edit](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Maha_Shivaratri&veaction=edit&section=7 \"Edit section: Outside South Asia\") \\| [edit source](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Maha_Shivaratri&action=edit&section=7 \"Edit section's source code: Outside South Asia\")\\]\nMaha Shivaratri is the main [Hindu festival](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Hindu_festival&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Hindu festival (page does not exist)\") among the [Shaiva Hindu diaspora](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Shaivite&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Shaivite (page does not exist)\") from [Nepal](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Nepal \"Nepal\") and [India](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/India \"India\"). In [Indo-Caribbean](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Indo-Caribbean \"Indo-Caribbean\") communities, thousands of Hindus spend the beautiful night in over four hundred temples across multiple countries, offering special *jhalls* (an offering of milk and curd, flowers, sugarcane and sweets) to Shiva.[\\[37\\]](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_note-37) In [Mauritius](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Mauritius \"Mauritius\"), [Hindus](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Hindus \"Hindus\") go on pilgrimage to [Ganga Talao](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Ganga_Talao&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Ganga Talao (page does not exist)\"), a crater-lake.[\\[38\\]](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_note-38)\n\n## See also\\[[edit](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Maha_Shivaratri&veaction=edit&section=8 \"Edit section: See also\") \\| [edit source](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Maha_Shivaratri&action=edit&section=8 \"Edit section's source code: See also\")\\]\n- [Pradosha](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Pradosha&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Pradosha (page does not exist)\")\n- [Rudraksha](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Rudraksha \"Rudraksha\")\n- [Vibhuti](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Vibhuti&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Vibhuti (page does not exist)\")\n- [Rudra](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Rudra \"Rudra\")\n- [Linga](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Linga&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Linga (page does not exist)\")\n- [Jangam](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Jangam \"Jangam\")\n## References\\[[edit](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Maha_Shivaratri&veaction=edit&section=9 \"Edit section: References\") \\| [edit source](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Maha_Shivaratri&action=edit&section=9 \"Edit section's source code: References\")\\]\n1. [↑](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_ref-SK_1-0) Stephen Knapp (2012), Hindu Gods & Goddesses, Jaico Publishing House, India, [ISBN](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/ISBN_\\(identifier\\) \"ISBN (identifier)\") [9788184953664](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Special:BookSources\/9788184953664 \"Special:BookSources\/9788184953664\"), page 110\n2. [↑](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_ref-Melton2011p541_2-0)\n   Melton, J. Gordon (2011). [*Religious Celebrations: An Encyclopedia of Holidays, Festivals, Solemn Observances, and Spiritual Commemorations*](https:\/\/books.google.com\/books?id=lD_2J7W_2hQC). ABC-CLIO. pp. 541–542. [ISBN](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/ISBN_\\(identifier\\) \"ISBN (identifier)\")\n   \n   [978-1-59884-206-7](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Special:BookSources\/978-1-59884-206-7 \"Special:BookSources\/978-1-59884-206-7\")\n   \n   .\n3. [↑](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_ref-3)\n   [\"Mahashivratri\"](https:\/\/www.allindianfestivals.in\/mahashivratri\/). 27 December 2020. Retrieved 17 February 2022.\n4. [↑](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_ref-4)\n   [\"2022 Hindu Festivals Calendar, Hindu Tyohar Calendar for Mumbai, Maharashtra, India\"](https:\/\/www.drikpanchang.com\/calendars\/hindu\/hinducalendar.html?geoname-id=1275339&year=2022).\n5. [↑](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_ref-5)\n   LLP, Adarsh Mobile Applications. [\"2021 Maha Shivaratri \\| Shivratri Date and Time for New Delhi, NCT, India\"](http:\/\/www.drikpanchang.com\/festivals\/maha-shivaratri\/maha-shivaratri-date-time.html). *Drikpanchang*.\n6. [↑](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_ref-6)\n   [\"2023 Hindu Festivals\"](https:\/\/www.drikpanchang.com\/calendars\/hindu\/hinducalendar.html?year=2023).\n7. ↑ [7\\.0](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_ref-:0_7-0) [7\\.1](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_ref-:0_7-1)\n   Lochtefeld, James G. (2002). [*The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Hinduism: N-Z*](https:\/\/books.google.com\/books?id=GnmPzgEACAAJ). Rosen. p. 637. [ISBN](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/ISBN_\\(identifier\\) \"ISBN (identifier)\")\n   \n   [978-0-8239-3180-4](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Special:BookSources\/978-0-8239-3180-4 \"Special:BookSources\/978-0-8239-3180-4\")\n   \n   .\n8. ↑ [8\\.0](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_ref-JonesRyan2006p269_8-0) [8\\.1](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_ref-JonesRyan2006p269_8-1) [8\\.2](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_ref-JonesRyan2006p269_8-2) [8\\.3](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_ref-JonesRyan2006p269_8-3) [8\\.4](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_ref-JonesRyan2006p269_8-4)\n   Jones, Constance; D. Ryan, James (2006). [*Encyclopedia of Hinduism*](https:\/\/books.google.com\/books?id=OgMmceadQ3gC&pg=PA269). Infobase Publishing. p. 269. [ISBN](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/ISBN_\\(identifier\\) \"ISBN (identifier)\")\n   \n   [978-0-8160-7564-5](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Special:BookSources\/978-0-8160-7564-5 \"Special:BookSources\/978-0-8160-7564-5\")\n   \n   .\n9. [↑](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_ref-9)\n   Coulter, Charles Russell; Turner, Patricia (6 December 2021). [*Encyclopedia of Ancient Deities*](https:\/\/books.google.com\/books?id=QEJUEAAAQBAJ&dq=shivaratri+wedding&pg=PA428). McFarland. p. 428. [ISBN](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/ISBN_\\(identifier\\) \"ISBN (identifier)\")\n   \n   [978-0-7864-9179-7](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Special:BookSources\/978-0-7864-9179-7 \"Special:BookSources\/978-0-7864-9179-7\")\n   \n   .\n10. ↑ [10\\.0](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_ref-Dhoraisingam35_10-0) [10\\.1](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_ref-Dhoraisingam35_10-1) [10\\.2](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_ref-Dhoraisingam35_10-2) [10\\.3](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_ref-Dhoraisingam35_10-3)\n    Dhoraisingam, Samuel S. (2006). [*Peranakan Indians of Singapore and Melaka*](https:\/\/books.google.com\/books?id=QHwcAgAAQBAJ&pg=PA35). Institute of Southeast Asian Studies. p. 35. [ISBN](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/ISBN_\\(identifier\\) \"ISBN (identifier)\")\n    \n    [978-981-230-346-2](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Special:BookSources\/978-981-230-346-2 \"Special:BookSources\/978-981-230-346-2\")\n    \n    .\n11. ↑ [11\\.0](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_ref-auto1_11-0) [11\\.1](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_ref-auto1_11-1)\n    Om Prakash Juneja; Chandra Mohan (1990). [*Ambivalence: Studies in Canadian Literature*](https:\/\/books.google.com\/books?id=39FHAAAAYAAJ). Allied. pp. 156–157. [ISBN](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/ISBN_\\(identifier\\) \"ISBN (identifier)\")\n    \n    [978-81-7023-109-7](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Special:BookSources\/978-81-7023-109-7 \"Special:BookSources\/978-81-7023-109-7\")\n    \n    .\n12. [↑](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_ref-brunn402_12-0)\n    Brunn, Stanley D. (2015). [*The Changing World Religion Map: Sacred Places, Identities, Practices and Politics*](https:\/\/books.google.com\/books?id=CGh-BgAAQBAJ&pg=PA403). Springer. pp. 402–403. [ISBN](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/ISBN_\\(identifier\\) \"ISBN (identifier)\")\n    \n    [978-94-017-9376-6](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Special:BookSources\/978-94-017-9376-6 \"Special:BookSources\/978-94-017-9376-6\")\n    \n    .\n13. [↑](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_ref-maitra125_13-0)\n    Maitra, Asim (1986). [*Religious Life of the Brahman: A Case Study of Maithil Brahmans*](https:\/\/books.google.com\/books?id=f3LXAAAAMAAJ). Munshilal. p. 125. [ISBN](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/ISBN_\\(identifier\\) \"ISBN (identifier)\")\n    \n    [978-81-210-0171-7](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Special:BookSources\/978-81-210-0171-7 \"Special:BookSources\/978-81-210-0171-7\")\n    \n    .\n14. [↑](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_ref-14)\n    [\"Shiva\"](http:\/\/www.ultindia.org\/tm_magazine\/7204shiva.html). *The Theosophical Movement* (reprint). TEOS, Theosophy Company, Mumbai. **72** (4): 137. 2002 \\[February 1962\\].\n15. [↑](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_ref-15) [Mahashivaratri](http:\/\/www.odisha.gov.in\/portal\/LIWPL\/event_archive\/Events_Archives\/150MAHA_SHIVA_RATRI.pdf) [Archived](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20140327171257\/http:\/\/www.odisha.gov.in\/portal\/LIWPL\/event_archive\/Events_Archives\/150MAHA_SHIVA_RATRI.pdf) 27 March 2014 at the [Wayback Machine](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Wayback_Machine \"Wayback Machine\"), Government of Orissa; [Maha Shivaratri](http:\/\/publicholidays.in\/maha-shivaratri\/), Public Holidays\n16. [↑](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_ref-16)\n    [\"This Mahashivratri, here are five Shiva mantras that will change your life for the better\"](https:\/\/www.timesnownews.com\/the-buzz\/article\/mahashivratri-2018-shiva-maha-shivratri-chaturdashi-shiva-god-parvati-hinduism-shankar-rudra-god-five-shiva-mantras-that-will-change-your-life\/197820). *Times Now*. 12 February 2018. Retrieved 10 March 2021.\n17. [↑](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_ref-17)\n    [\"Mahashivratri 2020: Recite Shiva Chalisa on this auspicious day to impress Shiva and gain wealth and success\"](https:\/\/english.jagran.com\/lifestyle\/mahashivratri-2020-recite-shiva-chalisa-on-this-auspicious-day-to-impress-lord-shiva-and-gain-wealth-and-success-10009068). *Jagran English*. 21 February 2020. Retrieved 10 March 2021.\n18. [↑](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_ref-18)\n    Leuthold, Steven (2010). [*Cross-Cultural Issues in Art: Frames for Understanding*](https:\/\/books.google.com\/books?id=z9GsAgAAQBAJ&pg=PA142). Routledge. pp. 142–143. [ISBN](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/ISBN_\\(identifier\\) \"ISBN (identifier)\")\n    \n    [978-1-136-85455-2](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Special:BookSources\/978-1-136-85455-2 \"Special:BookSources\/978-1-136-85455-2\")\n    \n    .\n19. [↑](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_ref-19)\n    Pintchman, Tracy (2007). [*Women's Lives, Women's Rituals in the Hindu Tradition*](https:\/\/books.google.com\/books?id=7lOc8ZoLV0wC&pg=PA194). [Oxford University Press](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Oxford_University_Press \"Oxford University Press\"). pp. 194–195. [ISBN](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/ISBN_\\(identifier\\) \"ISBN (identifier)\")\n    \n    [978-0-19-803934-1](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Special:BookSources\/978-0-19-803934-1 \"Special:BookSources\/978-0-19-803934-1\")\n    \n    .\n20. [↑](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_ref-20)\n    Pintchman, Tracy (2007). [*Women's Lives, Women's Rituals in the Hindu Tradition*](https:\/\/books.google.com\/books?id=7lOc8ZoLV0wC&pg=PA194). Oxford University Press. pp. 194–196. [ISBN](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/ISBN_\\(identifier\\) \"ISBN (identifier)\")\n    \n    [978-0-19-803934-1](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Special:BookSources\/978-0-19-803934-1 \"Special:BookSources\/978-0-19-803934-1\")\n    \n    .\n21. [↑](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_ref-21)\n    Pugh McCutchen, Brenda (2006). [*Teaching Dance as Art in Education*](https:\/\/books.google.com\/books?id=C0yjXGJ3EEoC). Human Kinetics. p. 450. [ISBN](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/ISBN_\\(identifier\\) \"ISBN (identifier)\")\n    \n    [978-0-7360-5188-0](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Special:BookSources\/978-0-7360-5188-0 \"Special:BookSources\/978-0-7360-5188-0\")\n    \n    .\n22. [↑](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_ref-22)\n    Shobita Punja (1999). [*Khajuraho: the first thousand years*](https:\/\/books.google.com\/books?id=CwfWAAAAMAAJ). Penguin Books. pp. 71–74. [ISBN](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/ISBN_\\(identifier\\) \"ISBN (identifier)\")\n    \n    [9780670891900](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Special:BookSources\/9780670891900 \"Special:BookSources\/9780670891900\")\n    \n    .\n23. [↑](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_ref-23)\n    [\"Narendra Modi in Coimbatore as it happened: PM to unveil 112-foot Shiva idol at Isha Foundation event-India News , Firstpost\"](https:\/\/www.firstpost.com\/india\/narendra-modi-in-coimbatore-live-pm-to-unveil-112-foot-shiva-idol-at-isha-foundation-event-3300396.html). *Firstpost*. 24 February 2017. Retrieved 4 March 2022.\n24. [↑](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_ref-24)\n    Eck, Diana L. (1982). [*Banras, City of Light*](https:\/\/books.google.com\/books?id=lkkqAAAAYAAJ). Knopf. pp. 113, 256, 276. [ISBN](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/ISBN_\\(identifier\\) \"ISBN (identifier)\")\n    \n    [9780394519715](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Special:BookSources\/9780394519715 \"Special:BookSources\/9780394519715\")\n    \n    .\n25. [↑](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_ref-25)\n    [\"🔱Shivaratri - Shivaratri Dates, Schedule and Timing 2023 \\| Next Shivaratri festival on 18 February 2023\"](https:\/\/www.varanasiguru.com\/maha-shivratri\/). *varanasiguru.com*. Retrieved 11 February 2023.\n26. [↑](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_ref-mandi_26-0)\n    [\"International Shivaratri fair in Mandi\"](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20100414002705\/http:\/\/himachaltourism.gov.in\/post\/Mandi.aspx). Himachal tourism. Archived from [the original](http:\/\/himachaltourism.gov.in\/post\/Mandi.aspx) on 14 April 2010. Retrieved 8 February 2012.\n27. [↑](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_ref-shiv_27-0)\n    [\"The International Festival\"](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20090401052653\/http:\/\/mandishivratri.com\/about-mandi.html). Archived from [the original](http:\/\/mandishivratri.com\/about-mandi.html) on 1 April 2009. Retrieved 7 February 2010.\n28. [↑](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_ref-heaven_28-0)\n    [\"Mandi – The Seventh Heaven\"](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20110410001057\/http:\/\/matabhimakali.com\/mandi.html). Archived from [the original](http:\/\/matabhimakali.com\/mandi.html) on 10 April 2011. Retrieved 7 February 2010.\n29. [↑](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_ref-29)\n    [\"You are being redirected...\"](https:\/\/giri.in\/blog\/maha-shivaratri\/) *giri.in*. Retrieved 11 February 2022.\n30. [↑](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_ref-30)\n    [\"Nepali Army \\| नेपाली सेना\"](https:\/\/www.nepalarmy.mil.np\/viewnews\/379).\n31. [↑](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_ref-31)\n    [\"Yoga in Nepal: Why is yoga Nepali best?\"](https:\/\/www.traveldiarynepal.com\/yoga-in-nepal-is-yoga-nepali-best-2020\/). 10 April 2019. Retrieved 3 April 2022.\n32. [↑](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_ref-32)\n    Ltd, Scenic Nepal Treks & Expedition Pvt. [\"Shivaratri Festival in Nepal: Happy Shivaratri \\| Scenic Nepal Treks\"](https:\/\/www.scenicnepaltreks.com\/blog\/shivaratri-festival-in-nepal-happy-shivaratri). *www.scenicnepaltreks.com*. Retrieved 3 April 2022.\n33. [↑](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_ref-33)\n    [\"Blocking the Roads: A Shivaratri Tradition That Needs Rethinking\"](https:\/\/dwitnews.com\/index.php\/archive\/article\/shivaratri-blocking-the-roads#:~:text=As%20the%20festival%20of%20Shivaratri,streets%20to%20get%20some%20money.). *dwitnews.com*. Retrieved 3 April 2022.\n34. [↑](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_ref-34)\n    [\"maha shivaratri\"](https:\/\/bordernepal.wordpress.com\/tag\/maha-shivaratri\/). *Border Nepal Buddhi*. Retrieved 3 April 2022.\n35. [↑](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_ref-35)\n    [\"150-year-old Hindu temple under threat in Karachi\"](https:\/\/www.indiatoday.in\/world\/pakistan\/story\/shri-ratneshwar-mahadev-temple-karachi-overpass-pakistani-hindus-hrcp-187674-2014-04-04). *Indiatoday*. 4 April 2014. Retrieved 28 August 2020.\n36. [↑](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_ref-Shazia_Hasan_36-0)\n    Shazia Hasan (7 March 2016). [\"Hindus celebrate Maha Shivratri festival in Karachi\"](https:\/\/www.dawn.com\/news\/1243973). *Dawn*. Retrieved 28 August 2020.\n37. [↑](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_ref-37)\n    [\"Trinidad Hindus observe Shivratri amid Carnival Celebration\"](https:\/\/repeatingislands.com\/2014\/03\/01\/trinidad-hindus-observe-shivratri-amid-carnival-celebration\/). Repeating Islands. 2 March 2014. Retrieved 31 August 2016.\n38. [↑](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_ref-38)\n    [\"The sacred lake of Ganga Talao\"](https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/2016\/05\/03\/africa\/maha-shivaratri-mauritius\/index.html). CNN. 3 May 2016. Retrieved 12 June 2018.\n## External links\\[[edit](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Maha_Shivaratri&veaction=edit&section=10 \"Edit section: External links\") \\| [edit source](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Maha_Shivaratri&action=edit&section=10 \"Edit section's source code: External links\")\\]\n- [Maha Shivaratri celebrations in the USA by The Pluralism Project](http:\/\/pluralism.org\/religions\/hinduism\/the-hindu-experience\/the-great-night-of-shiva\/)\n- [Mahashivratri images](https:\/\/www.ibc24.in\/maha-shivratri-2022\/full-hd-shivratri-images-780887.html)\n\n| [v](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Template:Shaivism_topics \"Template:Shaivism topics\") [t](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Template_talk:Shaivism_topics&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Template talk:Shaivism topics (page does not exist)\") [e](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Template:Shaivism_topics&action=edit)[Shaivism](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Shaivism \"Shaivism\") |   |   |\n|---|---|---|\n| **[History of Shaivism](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=History_of_Shaivism&action=edit&redlink=1 \"History of Shaivism (page does not exist)\")** |   |   |\n| [Deities](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Category:Forms_of_Shiva&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Category:Forms of Shiva (page does not exist)\") | [Shiva](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Shiva \"Shiva\") [Sadyojata](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Sadyojata&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Sadyojata (page does not exist)\") [Vamadeva](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Vamadeva&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Vamadeva (page does not exist)\") [Aghora\/Bhairava](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Bhairava \"Bhairava\") [Tatpurusha](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Tatpurusha&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Tatpurusha (page does not exist)\") [Ishana](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Ishana \"Ishana\") [Nataraja](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Nataraja \"Nataraja\") [Dakshinamurthy](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Dakshinamurthy&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Dakshinamurthy (page does not exist)\") [Harihara](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Harihara \"Harihara\") [Shakti](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Shakti \"Shakti\") [Ardhanarishvara](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Ardhanarishvara \"Ardhanarishvara\") [Sati](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Sati_\\(Hindu_goddess\\) \"Sati (Hindu goddess)\") [Parvati](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Parvati \"Parvati\") [Ganesha](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Ganesha \"Ganesha\") [Kartikeya](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Kartikeya \"Kartikeya\") [Nandi](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Nandi_\\(mythology\\) \"Nandi (mythology)\") | [![](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/images\/thumb\/2\/21\/India_statue_of_nataraja.jpg\/120px-India_statue_of_nataraja.jpg)](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/File:India_statue_of_nataraja.jpg) |\n| [Texts](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Religious_text \"Religious text\") | [Shvetashvatara Upanishad](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Shvetashvatara_Upanishad \"Shvetashvatara Upanishad\") [Shivarahasya Purana](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Shivarahasya_Purana&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Shivarahasya Purana (page does not exist)\") [Shiva Purana](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Shiva_Purana \"Shiva Purana\") [Shiva Sutras of Vasugupta](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Shiva_Sutras_of_Vasugupta&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Shiva Sutras of Vasugupta (page does not exist)\") |   |\n| [Mantra](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Mantra \"Mantra\")\/[Stotra](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Stotra \"Stotra\") | [Om Namah Shivaya](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Om_Namah_Shivaya&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Om Namah Shivaya (page does not exist)\") [Rudrashtakam](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Rudrashtakam \"Rudrashtakam\") [Mahāmrityunjaya](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Mah%C4%81mrityunjaya_Mantra \"Mahāmrityunjaya Mantra\") [Shiva Tandava](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Shiva_Tandava_Stotra&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Shiva Tandava Stotra (page does not exist)\") [Sahasranama](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Shiva_Sahasranama&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Shiva Sahasranama (page does not exist)\") [Chalisa](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Shiv_Chalisa \"Shiv Chalisa\") [Shri Rudram](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Shri_Rudram&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Shri Rudram (page does not exist)\") [Shiva Mahimna](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Shiva_Mahimna_Stotra&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Shiva Mahimna Stotra (page does not exist)\") |   |\n| Philosophical traditions | [Shaiva Siddhanta](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Shaiva_Siddhanta&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Shaiva Siddhanta (page does not exist)\") [Pashupata Shaivism](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Pashupata_Shaivism \"Pashupata Shaivism\") [Kashmir Shaivism](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Kashmir_Shaivism&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Kashmir Shaivism (page does not exist)\") [Veera Shaivism](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Lingayatism \"Lingayatism\") [Siddha Siddhanta](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Siddha_Siddhanta&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Siddha Siddhanta (page does not exist)\") [Shiva Advaita](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Shiva_Advaita \"Shiva Advaita\") [Shaiva Smartas](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Smarta_tradition \"Smarta tradition\") |   |\n| [Jyotirlingas](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Jyotirlinga \"Jyotirlinga\") | [Bhimāśankara](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Bhimashankar_Temple \"Bhimashankar Temple\") [Ghuṣmeśvara](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Grishneshwar_Temple \"Grishneshwar Temple\") [Kedāranātha](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Kedarnath_Temple \"Kedarnath Temple\") [Viśveśvara](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Kashi_Vishwanath_Temple \"Kashi Vishwanath Temple\") [Mallikārjuna](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Mallikarjuna_Jyotirlinga&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga (page does not exist)\") [Mahākāleśvara](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Mahakaleshwar_Jyotirlinga \"Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga\") [Nāgeśvara](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Nageshvara_Jyotirlinga \"Nageshvara Jyotirlinga\") [Omkāreśvara](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Omkareshwar_Temple \"Omkareshwar Temple\") [Rāmeśvara](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Ramanathaswamy_Temple&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Ramanathaswamy Temple (page does not exist)\") [Somanātha](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Somnath_temple \"Somnath temple\") [Tryambakeśvara](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Trimbakeshwar_Shiva_Temple \"Trimbakeshwar Shiva Temple\") [Vaidyanātha](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Vaidyanath_Jyotirlinga&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Vaidyanath Jyotirlinga (page does not exist)\") |   |\n| Temples |   |   |\n|   |   |   |\n| [Panch Kedar](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Panch_Kedar&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Panch Kedar (page does not exist)\") | [Kedarnath](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Kedarnath_Temple \"Kedarnath Temple\") [Tungnath](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Tungnath&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Tungnath (page does not exist)\") [Rudranath](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Rudranath&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Rudranath (page does not exist)\") [Madhyamaheshwar](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Madhyamaheshwar&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Madhyamaheshwar (page does not exist)\") [Kalpeshwar](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Kalpeshwar \"Kalpeshwar\") |   |\n| [Pancha Sabhai](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Pancha_Sabhai&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Pancha Sabhai (page does not exist)\") | [Rathina](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Sri_Vadaranyeswarar_Temple \"Sri Vadaranyeswarar Temple\") [Pon](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Nataraja_Temple,_Chidambaram&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Nataraja Temple, Chidambaram (page does not exist)\") [Velli](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Meenakshi_Temple \"Meenakshi Temple\") [Thamira](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Nellaiappar_Temple \"Nellaiappar Temple\") [Chitira](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Thirukutralam \"Thirukutralam\") |   |\n| [Pancha Bhoota](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Pancha_Bhoota_Stalam&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Pancha Bhoota Stalam (page does not exist)\") | [Chidambaram, Ether](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Nataraja_Temple,_Chidambaram&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Nataraja Temple, Chidambaram (page does not exist)\") [Kalahasti, Air](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Srikalahasteeswara_temple&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Srikalahasteeswara temple (page does not exist)\") [Annamalaiyar, Fire](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Arunachalesvara_Temple&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Arunachalesvara Temple (page does not exist)\") [Thiruvanaikaval, Water](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Jambukeswarar_Temple,_Thiruvanaikaval&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Jambukeswarar Temple, Thiruvanaikaval (page does not exist)\") [Ekambareswarar, Earth](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Ekambareswarar_Temple_\\(Kanchipuram\\)&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Ekambareswarar Temple (Kanchipuram) (page does not exist)\") |   |\n| Traditional observances | [Kanwar Yatra](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Kanwar_Yatra \"Kanwar Yatra\") [Lingam](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Lingam \"Lingam\") [Rasalingam](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Rasalingam&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Rasalingam (page does not exist)\") [Maha Shivaratri]() [Pradosha](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Pradosha&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Pradosha (page does not exist)\") [Shiva Puja](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Shiva_Puja&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Shiva Puja (page does not exist)\") [Siddha](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Siddha \"Siddha\") [Vibhuti](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Vibhuti&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Vibhuti (page does not exist)\") [Other names](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Shiva_Sahasranama&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Shiva Sahasranama (page does not exist)\") |   |\n| ![Category](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/images\/thumb\/9\/96\/Symbol_category_class.svg\/20px-Symbol_category_class.svg.png)[Category](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Category:Shaivism \"Category:Shaivism\") |   |   |\n\n[Template:Sindhi festivals](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Template:Sindhi_festivals&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Template:Sindhi festivals (page does not exist)\")\n\n| [v](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Template:Hindu_festivals \"Template:Hindu festivals\") [t](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Template_talk:Hindu_festivals&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Template talk:Hindu festivals (page does not exist)\") [e](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Template:Hindu_festivals&action=edit)[![](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/images\/thumb\/b\/b7\/Om_symbol.svg\/20px-Om_symbol.svg.png)](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Hinduism \"Hinduism\") [Festivals in the Hindu calendar](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/List_of_Hindu_festivals \"List of Hindu festivals\") |   |   |\n|---|---|---|\n| Major festivals | [Bihu](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Bihu \"Bihu\") [Chhath](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Chhath \"Chhath\") [Dashahara](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Dashahara&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Dashahara (page does not exist)\") [Diwali](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Diwali \"Diwali\") [Dhanteras](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Dhanteras \"Dhanteras\") [Naraka Chaturdashi](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Naraka_Chaturdashi \"Naraka Chaturdashi\") [Lakshmi Puja](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Lakshmi_Puja \"Lakshmi Puja\") [Balipratipada](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Balipratipada \"Balipratipada\") [Bhaubeej](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Bhaubeej&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Bhaubeej (page does not exist)\") [Durga Puja](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Durga_Puja \"Durga Puja\") [Ayudha Puja](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Ayudha_Puja \"Ayudha Puja\") [Vijayadashami](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Vijayadashami \"Vijayadashami\") Ganesh Festival [Ganesh Chaturthi](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Ganesh_Chaturthi \"Ganesh Chaturthi\") [Ananta Chaturdashi](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Ananta_Chaturdashi&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Ananta Chaturdashi (page does not exist)\") [Holi](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Holi \"Holi\") [Galungan](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Galungan&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Galungan (page does not exist)\") ([Bali](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Balinese_Hinduism \"Balinese Hinduism\")) [Kartik Purnima](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Kartik_Purnima \"Kartik Purnima\") [Kali Puja](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Kali_Puja \"Kali Puja\") [Krishna Janmashtami](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Krishna_Janmashtami \"Krishna Janmashtami\") [Maha Shivaratri]() [Makar Sankranti](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Makar_Sankranti \"Makar Sankranti\") [Nyepi](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Nyepi&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Nyepi (page does not exist)\") ([Bali](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Balinese_Hinduism \"Balinese Hinduism\")) [Navaratri](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Navaratri \"Navaratri\") [Onam](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Onam \"Onam\") [Pongal](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Thai_Pongal \"Thai Pongal\") [Rama Navami](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Rama_Navami \"Rama Navami\") [Thaipusam](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Thaipusam \"Thaipusam\") [Bhratri Dwitiya](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Bhai_Dooj \"Bhai Dooj\") [Ratha-Yatra](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Ratha-Yatra&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Ratha-Yatra (page does not exist)\") [Vasant Panchami](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Vasant_Panchami \"Vasant Panchami\") | [![Hindu Om](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/images\/thumb\/b\/b7\/Om_symbol.svg\/60px-Om_symbol.svg.png)](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/File:Om_symbol.svg \"Hindu Om\") |\n| Other important festivals | [Ayya Vaikunda Avataram](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Ayya_Vaikunda_Avataram \"Ayya Vaikunda Avataram\") [Ashadhi Ekadashi](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Ashadhi_Ekadashi&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Ashadhi Ekadashi (page does not exist)\") [Buddha Jayanti](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Buddha%27s_Birthday \"Buddha's Birthday\") [Guru Purnima](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Guru_Purnima \"Guru Purnima\") [Hanuman Jayanti](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Hanuman_Jayanti \"Hanuman Jayanti\") [Kashmiri Hindu festivals](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Kashmiri_Hindu_festivals \"Kashmiri Hindu festivals\") [Mesha Sankranti](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Mesha_Sankranti&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Mesha Sankranti (page does not exist)\") [Naga Panchami](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Naga_Panchami \"Naga Panchami\") [Narali Purnima](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Narali_Purnima&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Narali Purnima (page does not exist)\") [Raksha Bandhan](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Raksha_Bandhan \"Raksha Bandhan\") [Rishi Panchami](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Rishi_Panchami&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Rishi Panchami (page does not exist)\") [Sankashti Chaturthi](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Sankashti_Chaturthi \"Sankashti Chaturthi\") [Sankranti](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Sankranti \"Sankranti\") [Hartalika Teej](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Teej#Hartalika_Teej \"Teej\") [Haryali Teej](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Teej#Haryali_Teej \"Teej\") [Vat Purnima](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Vat_Purnima \"Vat Purnima\") |   |\n| [Regional New Year](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Indian_New_Year%27s_days \"Indian New Year's days\") | [Balipratipada](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Balipratipada \"Balipratipada\") (Gujarati, Rajasthani) [Bohag Bihu](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Bohag_Bihu \"Bohag Bihu\") (Assamese) [Bisu Parba](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Bisu_Parba \"Bisu Parba\") (Tulu) [Chaitra Navaratri](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Navaratri#Chaitra_Navaratri \"Navaratri\") (North & Central India (Lunar)) [Cheti Chand](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Cheti_Chand \"Cheti Chand\") (Sindhi) [Gudi Padwa](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Gudi_Padwa \"Gudi Padwa\") (Marathi, Konkani) [Mha Puja](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Mha_Puja&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Mha Puja (page does not exist)\") (Newari) [Jur Sital](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Jur_Sital \"Jur Sital\") (Maithili) [Navreh](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Navreh \"Navreh\") (Kashmiri) [Nyepi](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Nyepi&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Nyepi (page does not exist)\") ([Bali](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Balinese_Hinduism \"Balinese Hinduism\")) [Pana Sankranti](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Pana_Sankranti \"Pana Sankranti\") (Odia) [Pahela Baishakh](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Pahela_Baishakh \"Pahela Baishakh\") (Bengali) [Puthandu](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Puthandu \"Puthandu\") (Tamil) [Ugadi](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Ugadi \"Ugadi\") (Telugu, Kannada) [Vaisakhi](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Vaisakhi \"Vaisakhi\") (Punjabi, North & Central India(Solar), Nepali) [Vishu](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Vishu \"Vishu\") (Malayali) |   |\n| Holy days | [Akshaya Tritiya](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Akshaya_Tritiya \"Akshaya Tritiya\") [Amalaka Ekadashi](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Amalaka_Ekadashi \"Amalaka Ekadashi\") [Vaikuntha Ekadashi](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Vaikuntha_Ekadashi \"Vaikuntha Ekadashi\") [Kamada Ekadashi](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Kamada_Ekadashi \"Kamada Ekadashi\") [Shravana Putrada Ekadashi](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Shravana_Putrada_Ekadashi&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Shravana Putrada Ekadashi (page does not exist)\") [Shayani Ekadashi](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Shayani_Ekadashi \"Shayani Ekadashi\") [Pausha Putrada Ekadashi](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Pausha_Putrada_Ekadashi&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Pausha Putrada Ekadashi (page does not exist)\") [Varuthini Ekadashi](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Varuthini_Ekadashi&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Varuthini Ekadashi (page does not exist)\") [Prabodhini Ekadashi](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Prabodhini_Ekadashi \"Prabodhini Ekadashi\") [Ekadashi](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Ekadashi \"Ekadashi\") [Gowri Habba](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Gowri_Habba \"Gowri Habba\") [Karva Chauth](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Karva_Chauth \"Karva Chauth\") [Mahalakshmi Vrata](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Mahalakshmi_Vrata \"Mahalakshmi Vrata\") [Nirjala Ekadashi](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Nirjala_Ekadashi&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Nirjala Ekadashi (page does not exist)\") [Savitri Brata](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Savitri_Brata \"Savitri Brata\") [Amavasya](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Amavasya \"Amavasya\") [Sharad Purnima](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Sharad_Purnima \"Sharad Purnima\") [Kartik Purnima](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Kartik_Purnima \"Kartik Purnima\") [Datta Jayanti](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Datta_Jayanti \"Datta Jayanti\") [Pradosha](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Pradosha&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Pradosha (page does not exist)\") |   |\n| Holy periods | [Chaturmas](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Chaturmas \"Chaturmas\") [Dhanurmas](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Dhanurmas \"Dhanurmas\") [Pitri Paksha](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Pitri_Paksha&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Pitri Paksha (page does not exist)\") [Uttarayana](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Uttarayana \"Uttarayana\") [Dakshinayana](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Dakshinayana \"Dakshinayana\") |   |\n| ![Category](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/images\/thumb\/9\/96\/Symbol_category_class.svg\/20px-Symbol_category_class.svg.png) [Hindu festivals](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Category:Hindu_festivals \"Category:Hindu festivals\") |   |   |\n\n| [v](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Template:Hindudharma \"Template:Hindudharma\") [t](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Template_talk:Hindudharma&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Template talk:Hindudharma (page does not exist)\") [e](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Template:Hindudharma&action=edit)[Hinduism](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Hinduism \"Hinduism\") [topics](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Outline_of_Hinduism \"Outline of Hinduism\") |   |   |\n|---|---|---|\n| [Glossary](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Glossary_of_Hinduism_terms \"Glossary of Hinduism terms\") |   |   |\n| [Philosophy](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Hindu_philosophy \"Hindu philosophy\") |   | ![Hindu \"Om\" symbol](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/images\/thumb\/6\/69\/Aum_Om_navy_blue_circle_hollow_coral.svg\/120px-Aum_Om_navy_blue_circle_hollow_coral.svg.png) |\n|   |   |   |\n| [Concepts](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Glossary_of_Hinduism_terms \"Glossary of Hinduism terms\") | [Brahman](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Brahman \"Brahman\") [Om](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Om \"Om\") [Ishvara](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Ishvara \"Ishvara\") [Atman](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/%C4%80tman_\\(Hinduism\\) \"Ātman (Hinduism)\") [Maya](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maya_\\(religion\\) \"Maya (religion)\") [Karma](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Karma \"Karma\") [Saṃsāra](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Sa%E1%B9%83s%C4%81ra \"Saṃsāra\") [Puruṣārthas](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Puru%E1%B9%A3%C4%81rtha \"Puruṣārtha\") [Dharma](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Dharma \"Dharma\") [Artha](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Artha \"Artha\") [Kama](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Kama \"Kama\") [Moksha](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Moksha \"Moksha\") [Niti](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Ethics_in_religion#Hindu_ethics \"Ethics in religion\") [Ahimsa](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Ahimsa \"Ahimsa\") [Asteya](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Achourya \"Achourya\") [Aparigraha](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Aparigraha \"Aparigraha\") [Brahmacharya](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Brahmacarya \"Brahmacarya\") [Satya](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Satya \"Satya\") [Dāna](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/D%C4%81na \"Dāna\") [Damah](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Temperance_\\(virtue\\)#Hinduism \"Temperance (virtue)\") [Dayā](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Compassion#Hinduism \"Compassion\") [Akrodha](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Akrodha \"Akrodha\") |   |\n| [Schools](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Hindu_philosophy \"Hindu philosophy\") | [Āstika](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/%C4%80stika_and_n%C4%81stika \"Āstika and nāstika\"): [Samkhya](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Samkhya \"Samkhya\") [Yoga](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Yoga \"Yoga\") [Nyaya](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Nyaya \"Nyaya\") [Vaisheshika](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Vaisheshika \"Vaisheshika\") [Mīmāṃsā](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/M%C4%ABm%C4%81%E1%B9%83s%C4%81 \"Mīmāṃsā\") [Vedanta](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Vedanta \"Vedanta\") *[Dvaita](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Dvaita_Vedanta \"Dvaita Vedanta\")* *[Advaita](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Advaita_Vedanta \"Advaita Vedanta\")* *[Vishishtadvaita](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Vishishtadvaita \"Vishishtadvaita\")* [Nāstika](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/%C4%80stika_and_n%C4%81stika \"Āstika and nāstika\"): [Charvaka](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Charvaka \"Charvaka\") |   |\n| [Texts](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Hindu_texts \"Hindu texts\") |   |   |\n|   |   |   |\n| Classification | [Śruti](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/%C5%9Aruti \"Śruti\") [Smriti](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Smriti \"Smriti\") |   |\n| [Vedas](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Vedas \"Vedas\") |   |   |\n|   |   |   |\n| [Rigveda](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Rigveda \"Rigveda\") [Yajurveda](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Yajurveda \"Yajurveda\") [Samaveda](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Samaveda \"Samaveda\") [Atharvaveda](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Atharvaveda \"Atharvaveda\") |   |   |\n| Divisions | [Samhita](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Vedic_chant \"Vedic chant\") [Brahmana](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Brahmana \"Brahmana\") [Aranyaka](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Aranyaka \"Aranyaka\") |   |\n| [Upanishads](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Upanishads \"Upanishads\") | [Aitareya](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Aitareya_Upanishad \"Aitareya Upanishad\") [Kaushitaki](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Kaushitaki_Upanishad \"Kaushitaki Upanishad\") [Brihadaranyaka](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Brihadaranyaka_Upanishad \"Brihadaranyaka Upanishad\") [Isha](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Isha_Upanishad \"Isha Upanishad\") [Taittiriya](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Taittiriya_Upanishad \"Taittiriya Upanishad\") [Katha](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Katha_Upanishad \"Katha Upanishad\") [Maitrayaniya](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maitrayaniya_Upanishad \"Maitrayaniya Upanishad\") [Shvetashvatara](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Shvetashvatara_Upanishad \"Shvetashvatara Upanishad\") [Chandogya](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Chandogya_Upanishad \"Chandogya Upanishad\") [Kena](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Kena_Upanishad \"Kena Upanishad\") [Mundaka](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Mundaka_Upanishad \"Mundaka Upanishad\") [Mandukya](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Mandukya_Upanishad \"Mandukya Upanishad\") [Prashna](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Prashna_Upanishad \"Prashna Upanishad\") |   |\n| [Upavedas](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Upaveda \"Upaveda\") | [Ayurveda](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Ayurveda \"Ayurveda\") [Dhanurveda](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Indian_martial_arts \"Indian martial arts\") [Natyaveda](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Natya_Shastra \"Natya Shastra\") [Sthapatyaveda](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Hindu_temple_architecture \"Hindu temple architecture\") |   |\n| [Vedanga](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Vedanga \"Vedanga\") | [Shiksha](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Shiksha \"Shiksha\") [Chandas](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Sanskrit_prosody \"Sanskrit prosody\") [Vyākaraṇa](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Vy%C4%81kara%E1%B9%87a \"Vyākaraṇa\") [Nirukta](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Nirukta \"Nirukta\") [Kalpa](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Kalpa_\\(Vedanga\\) \"Kalpa (Vedanga)\") [Jyotisha](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Jyotisha \"Jyotisha\") |   |\n| [Other](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/List_of_Hindu_texts \"List of Hindu texts\") | [Bhagavad Gita](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Bhagavad_Gita \"Bhagavad Gita\") [Agamas](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Agama_\\(Hinduism\\) \"Agama (Hinduism)\") [Itihasas](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Itihasa \"Itihasa\") [Ramayana](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Ramayana \"Ramayana\") 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[Kartikeya](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Kartikeya \"Kartikeya\") [Hanuman](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Hanuman \"Hanuman\") [Indra](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Indra \"Indra\") [Agni](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Agni \"Agni\") [Surya](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Surya \"Surya\") [Vayu](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Vayu \"Vayu\") [Varuna](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Varuna \"Varuna\") [*more*](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Category:Hindu_gods \"Category:Hindu gods\") |   |\n| [Goddesses](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Devi \"Devi\") | [Tridevi](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Tridevi \"Tridevi\") [Saraswati](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Saraswati \"Saraswati\") [Lakshmi](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Lakshmi \"Lakshmi\") [Parvati](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Parvati \"Parvati\") [Shakti](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Shakti \"Shakti\") [Durga](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Durga \"Durga\") [Kali](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Kali \"Kali\") [Sati](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Sati_\\(Hindu_goddess\\) \"Sati (Hindu goddess)\") [Sita](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Sita \"Sita\") [Radha](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Radha \"Radha\") [Mahavidya](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Mahavidya \"Mahavidya\") [Matrika](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Matrika \"Matrika\") [Bhumi](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Bhumi_\\(goddess\\) \"Bhumi (goddess)\") [*more*](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Category:Hindu_goddesses&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Category:Hindu goddesses (page does not exist)\") |   |\n| Practices |   |   |\n|   |   |   |\n| [Worship](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Worship_in_Hinduism&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Worship in Hinduism (page does not exist)\") | [Temple](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Hindu_temple \"Hindu temple\") [Murti](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Murti \"Murti\") 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[Pumsavana](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Pumsavana \"Pumsavana\") [Simantonayana](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Pumsavana_Simantonayana \"Pumsavana Simantonayana\") [Jatakarma](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Jatakarma \"Jatakarma\") [Namakarana](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/N%C4%81makara%E1%B9%87a \"Nāmakaraṇa\") [Nishkramana](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Nishkramana \"Nishkramana\") [Annaprashana](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Annaprashana \"Annaprashana\") [Chudakarana](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Chudakarana \"Chudakarana\") [Karnavedha](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Karnavedha \"Karnavedha\") [Vidyarambha](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Vidy%C4%81ra%E1%B9%83bha%E1%B9%83 \"Vidyāraṃbhaṃ\") [Upanayana](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Upanayana \"Upanayana\") [Keshanta](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Keshanta \"Keshanta\") [Ritushuddhi](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Ritu_Kala_Samskaram \"Ritu Kala Samskaram\") 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[Pongal](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Pongal_\\(festival\\) \"Pongal (festival)\") [Makar Sankranti](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Makar_Sankranti \"Makar Sankranti\") New Year [Bihu](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Bihu \"Bihu\") [Gudi Padwa](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Gudi_Padwa \"Gudi Padwa\") [Pahela Baishakh](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Pahela_Baishakh \"Pahela Baishakh\") [Puthandu](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Puthandu \"Puthandu\") [Vaisakhi](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Vaisakhi \"Vaisakhi\") [Vishu](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Vishu \"Vishu\") [Ugadi](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Ugadi \"Ugadi\") [Kumbh Mela](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Kumbh_Mela \"Kumbh Mela\") [Haridwar](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Haridwar_Kumbh_Mela \"Haridwar Kumbh Mela\") [Nashik](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Nashik-Trimbakeshwar_Simhastha \"Nashik-Trimbakeshwar Simhastha\") 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Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions.\n\nSelect Citation Style\n\nBharatpedia contributors. \"Maha Shivaratri.\" Bharatpedia. Last edited March 17, 2023. \/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha\\_Shivaratri\n\ncontent\\_copy Copy citation\n\nshare Share\n\n×\n\n#### Share To Social Media\n[![](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/resources\/assets\/facebook.svg)](https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer\/sharer.php?u=%2F%2Fen.bharatpedia.org%2Fwiki%2FMaha_Shivaratri)   [![](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/resources\/assets\/twitter.svg)](https:\/\/twitter.com\/intent\/tweet?text=Maha+Shivaratri&url=%2F%2Fen.bharatpedia.org%2Fwiki%2FMaha_Shivaratri)   [![](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/resources\/assets\/whatsapp.svg)](https:\/\/api.whatsapp.com\/send?text=Maha+Shivaratri+%2F%2Fen.bharatpedia.org%2Fwiki%2FMaha_Shivaratri)\n***\nURL\n\ncontent\\_copy","attrs_readable_markdown":"![]()\n\n| Maha Shivaratri |   |\n|---|---|\n| [File:02 Mahashivratree festival.JPG](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Special:Upload&wpDestFile=02_Mahashivratree_festival.JPG \"File:02 Mahashivratree festival.JPG\")Meditating Shiva statue on Maha-Shivaratri |   |\n| Observed by | [Hindus](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Hindus \"Hindus\") |\n| Type | Religious |\n| Significance | Commemoration of the wedding of Shiva and Parvati Veneration of the Tandava dance of Shiva Manifestation of the lingam[\\[1\\]](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_note-SK-1) |\n| Observances | Fasting Self-study [Jagarana](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Jagran \"Jagran\") [Lingam](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Lingam \"Lingam\") [puja](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Puja_\\(Hinduism\\) \"Puja (Hinduism)\") [Yoga](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Yoga \"Yoga\")[\\[2\\]](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_note-Melton2011p541-2) |\n| Frequency | Annual |\n\n|   |\n|---|\n| Hindu festival dates The [Hindu calendar](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Astronomical_basis_of_the_Hindu_calendar \"Astronomical basis of the Hindu calendar\") is lunisolar but most festival dates are specified using the lunar portion of the calendar. A lunar day is uniquely identified by three calendar elements: [*māsa*](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Astronomical_basis_of_the_Hindu_calendar#chandramasa \"Astronomical basis of the Hindu calendar\") (lunar month), [*pakṣa*](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Astronomical_basis_of_the_Hindu_calendar#paksha \"Astronomical basis of the Hindu calendar\") (lunar fortnight) and [*tithi*](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Astronomical_basis_of_the_Hindu_calendar#tithi \"Astronomical basis of the Hindu calendar\") (lunar day). Furthermore, when specifying the masa, one of two traditions are applicable, viz. [*amānta*](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Hindu_calendar#amanta \"Hindu calendar\") \/ [*pūrṇimānta*](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Hindu_calendar#purnimanta \"Hindu calendar\"). [Iff](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Iff&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Iff (page does not exist)\") a festival falls in the waning phase of the moon, these two traditions identify the same lunar day as falling in two different (but successive) masa. A lunar year is shorter than a solar year by about eleven days. As a result, most Hindu festivals occur on different days in successive years on the Gregorian calendar. |\n| [v](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Template:Hindu_festival_date_info \"Template:Hindu festival date info\") [t](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Template_talk:Hindu_festival_date_info&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Template talk:Hindu festival date info (page does not exist)\") [e](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Template:Hindu_festival_date_info&action=edit) |\n\n**Maha Shivaratri** ([Sanskrit](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Sanskrit_language \"Sanskrit language\"): महाशिवरात्रि, romanized:*Mahāśivarātri*, [lit.](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Literal_translation \"Literal translation\")'The Great Night of Shiva') is a [Hindu festival](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Hindu_festival&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Hindu festival (page does not exist)\") celebrated annually in honour of the deity [Shiva](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Shiva \"Shiva\"), between February and March.[\\[7\\]](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_note-:0-7) According to the [Hindu calendar](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Hindu_calendar \"Hindu calendar\"), the festival is observed on the fourteenth day of the dark (waning) half of the lunar month of [Phalguna](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Phalguna \"Phalguna\") or [Magha](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Magha_\\(month\\) \"Magha (month)\").[\\[7\\]](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_note-:0-7)[\\[8\\]](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_note-JonesRyan2006p269-8) The festival also commemorates the wedding of Shiva and [Parvati](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Parvati \"Parvati\"),[\\[9\\]](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_note-9) and the occasion that the Shiva performs his divine dance, called the [Tandava](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Tandava \"Tandava\").[\\[10\\]](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_note-Dhoraisingam35-10)[\\[11\\]](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_note-auto1-11)\n\nIt is a notable festival in [Hinduism](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Hinduism \"Hinduism\"), marking a remembrance of \"overcoming darkness and ignorance\" in life and the world. It is observed by remembering Shiva and chanting prayers, [fasting](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Vrata \"Vrata\"), and meditating on ethics and virtues such as honesty, non-injury to others, charity, forgiveness, and the discovery of Shiva.[\\[8\\]](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_note-JonesRyan2006p269-8) Ardent devotees stay awake throughout this night. Others visit one of the Shiva temples or go on a pilgrimage to the [Jyotirlingams](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Jyotirlingam&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Jyotirlingam (page does not exist)\"). The festival is believed to have originated in 5th century BCE.[\\[8\\]](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_note-JonesRyan2006p269-8)\n\nIn [Kashmir Shaivism](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Kashmir_Shaivism&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Kashmir Shaivism (page does not exist)\"), the festival is called **Har-ratri** or phonetically simpler **Haerath** or **Herath** by Shiva devotees of the Kashmir region.[\\[12\\]](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_note-brunn402-12)[\\[13\\]](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_note-maitra125-13)\n\n## Description\\[[edit](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Maha_Shivaratri&veaction=edit&section=1 \"Edit section: Description\") \\| [edit source](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Maha_Shivaratri&action=edit&section=1 \"Edit section's source code: Description\")\\]\n**A festival of contemplation**\n\nDuring the Vigil Night of Shiva, Mahashivaratri,   \n we are brought to the moment of interval   \n between destruction and regeneration;   \n it symbolizes the night   \n when we must contemplate on that which   \n watches the growth out of the decay.   \n During Mahashivaratri we have to be alone   \n with our sword, the Shiva out of us.   \n We have to look behind and before,   \n to see what evil needs eradicating from our heart,   \n what growth of virtue we need to encourage.  \n Shiva is not only outside of us but within us.   \n To unite ourselves with the One Self   \n is to recognize the Shiva in us.\n\n—*The Theosophical Movement, Volume 72*[\\[14\\]](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_note-14)\n\nMaha Shivaratri is particularly important in the [Shaivism](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Shaivism \"Shaivism\") tradition of [Hinduism](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Hinduism \"Hinduism\"). Unlike most Hindu festivals which are celebrated during the day, Maha Shivaratri is celebrated at night. Furthermore, unlike most Hindu festivals which include expression of cultural revelry, the Maha Shivaratri is a solemn event notable for its introspective focus, fasting, [meditation](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Meditation&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Meditation (page does not exist)\") on Shiva, self study, social harmony and an all-night vigil at Shiva temples.[\\[8\\]](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_note-JonesRyan2006p269-8)\n\nThe celebration includes maintaining a [jagaran](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Jagran \"Jagran\"), an all-night vigil and prayers, because Shaiva Hindus mark this night as \"overcoming darkness and ignorance\" in one's life and the world through [Shiva](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Shiva \"Shiva\"). Offerings of fruits, leaves, sweets and milk are made to Shiva, some perform all-day fasting with Vedic or tantric worship of Shiva, and some perform meditative [yoga](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Yoga \"Yoga\").[\\[15\\]](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_note-15) In Shiva temples, the sacred Panchakshari [mantra](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Mantra \"Mantra\") of Shiva, \"[Om Namah Shivaya](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Om_Namah_Shivaya&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Om Namah Shivaya (page does not exist)\")\" is chanted throughout the day.[\\[16\\]](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_note-16) Devotees praise Shiva through the recitation of the hymn called the [Shiv Chalisa](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Shiv_Chalisa \"Shiv Chalisa\").[\\[17\\]](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_note-17)\n\n## Legend and significance\\[[edit](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Maha_Shivaratri&veaction=edit&section=2 \"Edit section: Legend and significance\") \\| [edit source](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Maha_Shivaratri&action=edit&section=2 \"Edit section's source code: Legend and significance\")\\]\n[File:Flickr - dalbera - Shiva Natarâdja, Seigneur de la Danse (musée Guimet).jpg](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Special:Upload&wpDestFile=Flickr_-_dalbera_-_Shiva_Natar%C3%A2dja,_Seigneur_de_la_Danse_\\(mus%C3%A9e_Guimet\\).jpg \"File:Flickr - dalbera - Shiva Natarâdja, Seigneur de la Danse (musée Guimet).jpg\")\n\nMany legends explain the significance of Maha Shivaratri, one being it is the night of [Shiva's dance](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Nataraja \"Nataraja\").\n\n[File:Mahashivratri festival , Maharashtra.jpg](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Special:Upload&wpDestFile=Mahashivratri_festival_,_Maharashtra.jpg \"File:Mahashivratri festival , Maharashtra.jpg\")\n\nMaha Shivaratri in [Maharashtra](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maharashtra \"Maharashtra\")\n\nThe Maha Shivaratri is mentioned in several [Puranas](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Puranas \"Puranas\"), particularly the *[Skanda Purana](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Skanda_Purana \"Skanda Purana\")*, *[Linga Purana](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Linga_Purana \"Linga Purana\"),* and *[Padma Purana](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Padma_Purana \"Padma Purana\")*. These medieval era Shaiva texts present different versions associated with this festival, such as fasting, and offering reverence to a [lingam](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Lingam \"Lingam\") - an emblematic figure of Shiva.[\\[8\\]](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_note-JonesRyan2006p269-8)\n\nDifferent legends describe the significance of Maha Shivaratri. According to one legend in the Shaivism tradition, this is the night when Shiva performs the heavenly dance of creation, preservation and destruction.[\\[10\\]](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_note-Dhoraisingam35-10)[\\[11\\]](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_note-auto1-11) The chanting of hymns, the reading of Shiva scriptures and the chorus of devotees joins this cosmic dance and remembers Shiva's presence everywhere. According to another legend, this is the night when Shiva and Parvati got married.[\\[10\\]](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_note-Dhoraisingam35-10)[\\[18\\]](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_note-18) A different legend states the offering to Shiva icons such as the linga is an annual occasion to get over past sins if any, to restart on a virtuous path and thereby reach [Mount Kailasha](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Mount_Kailasha&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Mount Kailasha (page does not exist)\") and liberation.[\\[10\\]](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_note-Dhoraisingam35-10) It is also believed that on this particular day Shiva gulped the [halahala](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Halahala&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Halahala (page does not exist)\") produced during the [Samudra Manthana](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Samudra_manthan \"Samudra manthan\") and beheld it in his neck which was bruised and turned blue, after which he acquired the epithet [Nilakantha](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Nilakanta_\\(Hinduism\\) \"Nilakanta (Hinduism)\"). It is also believed that the famous [Neelkanth Mahadev Temple](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Neelkanth_Mahadev_Temple&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Neelkanth Mahadev Temple (page does not exist)\") is the place where this incident took place.\\[*[citation needed](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Bharatpedia:Citation_needed \"Bharatpedia:Citation needed\")*\\]\n\nThe significance of dance tradition to this festival has historical roots. The Maha Shivaratri has served as a historic confluence of artists for annual dance festivals at major Hindu temples such as at [Konark](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Konark_Sun_Temple \"Konark Sun Temple\"), [Khajuraho](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Khajuraho_Group_of_Monuments \"Khajuraho Group of Monuments\"), [Pattadakal](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Pattadakal \"Pattadakal\"), [Modhera](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Sun_Temple,_Modhera \"Sun Temple, Modhera\") and [Chidambaram](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Thillai_Nataraja_Temple,_Chidambaram&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Thillai Nataraja Temple, Chidambaram (page does not exist)\").[\\[19\\]](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_note-19) This event is called *Natyanjali*, literally \"worship through dance\", at the Chidambaram temple which is famous for its sculpture depicting all dance mudras in the ancient Hindu text of performance arts called *[Natya Shastra](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Natya_Shastra \"Natya Shastra\")*.[\\[20\\]](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_note-20)[\\[21\\]](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_note-21) Similarly, at Khajuraho Shiva temples, a major fair and dance festival on Maha Shivaratri, involving Shaiva pilgrims camped over miles around the temple complex, was documented by Alexander Cunningham in 1864.[\\[22\\]](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_note-22)\n\n## Worship\\[[edit](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Maha_Shivaratri&veaction=edit&section=3 \"Edit section: Worship\") \\| [edit source](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Maha_Shivaratri&action=edit&section=3 \"Edit section's source code: Worship\")\\]\n### India\\[[edit](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Maha_Shivaratri&veaction=edit&section=4 \"Edit section: India\") \\| [edit source](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Maha_Shivaratri&action=edit&section=4 \"Edit section's source code: India\")\\]\nMahashivaratri is observed at night, usually in lighted temples or specially prepared *prabha* (above).\n\nMaha Shivaratri is celebrated in [Tamil Nadu](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Tamil_Nadu \"Tamil Nadu\") with great pomp and fanfare in the [Annamalaiyar](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Arunachalesvara_Temple&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Arunachalesvara Temple (page does not exist)\") temple located in [Tiruvannamalai](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Tiruvannamalai \"Tiruvannamalai\") district. The special process of worship on this day is 'Girivalam'\/Giri Pradakshina, a 14-kilometer bare foot walk around Shiva's temple on top of the hill. A huge lamp of oil and [camphor](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Camphor&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Camphor (page does not exist)\") is lit on the hilltop at sunset - not to be confused with [Karthigai Deepam](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Karthigai_Deepam&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Karthigai Deepam (page does not exist)\").\\[*[citation needed](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Bharatpedia:Citation_needed \"Bharatpedia:Citation needed\")*\\]. A ritual marathon is undertaken by the devotees to the 12 Shiva shrines in the district of [Kanyakumari](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Kanyakumari \"Kanyakumari\") on the day of Shivaratri called [Sivalaya Ottam](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Sivalaya_Ottam \"Sivalaya Ottam\").\\[*[citation needed](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Bharatpedia:Citation_needed \"Bharatpedia:Citation needed\")*\\] In recent years, the [Isha Foundation](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Isha_Foundation&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Isha Foundation (page does not exist)\") has been a major patron of such festivities in India, with even [Prime Minister](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Prime_Minister_of_India \"Prime Minister of India\") [Narendra Modi](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Narendra_Modi \"Narendra Modi\") having attended the celebration hosted at the site of the [Giant Adiyogi](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Adiyogi_Shiva_statue \"Adiyogi Shiva statue\") in [Coimbatore](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Coimbatore \"Coimbatore\").[\\[23\\]](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_note-23)\n\nThe major [Jyotirlinga](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Jyotirlinga \"Jyotirlinga\") Shiva temples of India, such as in [Varanasi](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Varanasi \"Varanasi\") and Somanatha, are particularly frequented on Maha Shivaratri. They serve also as sites for fairs and special events.[\\[24\\]](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_note-24)[\\[25\\]](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_note-25)\n\nIn [Andhra Pradesh](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Andhra_Pradesh \"Andhra Pradesh\") and [Telangana](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Telangana \"Telangana\"), Special pujas are held at Pancharamas - Amararamam of [Amaravati](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Amaravati \"Amaravati\"), Somaramam of [Bhimavaram](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Bhimavaram \"Bhimavaram\"), [Draksharamam](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Draksharamam&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Draksharamam (page does not exist)\"), Kumararama of [Samarlakota](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Samarlakota&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Samarlakota (page does not exist)\") and Ksheerarama of Palakollu. The days immediately after Shivaratri are celebrated as Brahmotsavaalu at [Srisailam](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Srisailam \"Srisailam\"), one of 12 Jyotirlinga sites. Mahashivaratri utsavalu are held at the Rudreshwara Swamy's 1000 pillar temple in [Warangal](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Warangal \"Warangal\"). Devotees throng for the special poojas at [Srikalahasti](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Srikalahasti \"Srikalahasti\"), [Mahanandi](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Mahanandi&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Mahanandi (page does not exist)\"), [Yaganti](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Yaganti_temple \"Yaganti temple\"), [Antarvedi](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Antarvedi \"Antarvedi\"), [Kattamanchi](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Kattamanchi \"Kattamanchi\"), [Pattiseema](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Pattiseema \"Pattiseema\"), [Bhairavakona](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Bhairavakona \"Bhairavakona\"), [Hanamkonda](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Hanamkonda \"Hanamkonda\"), [Keesaragutta](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Keesaragutta_Temple \"Keesaragutta Temple\"), [Vemulawada](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Vemulawada,_Rajanna_Sircilla_district \"Vemulawada, Rajanna Sircilla district\"), [Panagal](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Panagal,_Nalgonda_district \"Panagal, Nalgonda district\"), [Kolanupaka](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Kulpakji \"Kulpakji\") amongst others. Shivaratri yatras are held at Mallayya gutta near Kambhalapalle, Gundlakamma Kona near Railway Koduru, Penchalakona, Bhairavakona, Uma Maheswaram amongst others.\n\nThe Mandi fair is in the town of [Mandi](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Mandi,_Himachal_Pradesh \"Mandi, Himachal Pradesh\") is particularly famous as a venue for Maha Shivaratri celebrations. It transforms the town as devotees pour in. It is believed that all gods and goddesses of the area, said to number more than 200, assemble here on the day of Maha Shivaratri. Mandi, located on the banks of [Beas](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Beas_River \"Beas River\"), is popularly known as the \"Cathedral of Temples\" and one of the oldest towns of Himachal Pradesh, with about 81 temples of different deities on its periphery.[\\[26\\]](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_note-mandi-26)[\\[27\\]](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_note-shiv-27)[\\[28\\]](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_note-heaven-28)\n\nIn [Kashmir Shaivism](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Kashmir_Shaivism&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Kashmir Shaivism (page does not exist)\"), Maha Shivaratri is celebrated by the [Hindus](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Hindus \"Hindus\") of [Kashmir](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Kashmir \"Kashmir\") and is called, \"Herath\" in Kashmiri, a word derived from the Sanskrit word \"Hararatri\" the \"Night of Hara\" (another name of Shiva). [Shivaratri](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Shivaratri \"Shivaratri\"), regarded as the most important festival of the community, for instance, is celebrated by them on trayodashi or the thirteenth of the dark half of the month of Phalguna (February–March) and not on the chaturdashi or the fourteenth as in the rest of the country. The reason for it is that this long drawn festival that is celebrated for one full fortnight as an elaborate ritual is associated with the appearance of [Bhairava](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Bhairava \"Bhairava\") ([Shiva](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Shiva \"Shiva\")) as a jvala-linga or a linga of flame. It has been described as Bhairavotsava in Tantric texts as on this occasion Bhairava and [Bhairavi](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Bhairavi \"Bhairavi\"), his Shakti or cosmic energy, are propitiated through Tantric worship.\\[*[citation needed](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Bharatpedia:Citation_needed \"Bharatpedia:Citation needed\")*\\]\n\nAccording to the legend associated with the origin of the worship, the linga appeared at pradoshakala or the dusk of early night as a blazing column of fire and dazzled Vatuka Bhairava and Rama (or Ramana) Bhairava, Mahadevi's mind-born sons, who approached it to discover its beginning or end but miserably failed. Exasperated and terrified they began to sing its praises and went to Mahadevi, who herself merged with the awe-inspiring jvala-linga. The Goddess blessed both Vatuka and Ramana that they would be worshipped by human beings and would receive their share of sacrificial offerings on that day and those who would worship them would have all their wishes fulfilled. As Vatuka Bhairava emerged from a pitcher full of water after Mahadevi cast a glance into it, fully armed with all his weapons (and so did Rama), he is represented by a pitcher full of water in which walnuts are kept for soaking and worshipped along with Shiva, Parvati, Kumara, Ganesha, their ganas or attendant deities, yoginis and kshetrapalas (guardians of the quarters) – all represented by clay images. The soaked walnuts are later distributed as naivedya. The ceremony is called 'vatuk barun' in Kashmiri, which means filling the pitcher of water representing the Vatuka Bhairava with walnuts and worshipping it.\\[*[citation needed](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Bharatpedia:Citation_needed \"Bharatpedia:Citation needed\")*\\]\n\n[Central India](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Central_India \"Central India\") has a large number of Shaiva followers. The [Mahakaleshwar Temple](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Mahakaleshwar_Temple&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Mahakaleshwar Temple (page does not exist)\"), [Ujjain](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Ujjain \"Ujjain\") is one of the most venerated shrines consecrated to Shiva, where a large congregation of devotees gathers to offer prayers on the day of Maha Shivaratri. Tilwara Ghat in the city of [Jabalpur](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Jabalpur \"Jabalpur\") and the Math Temple in the village of [Jeonara](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Jeonara \"Jeonara\"), [Seoni](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Seoni&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Seoni (page does not exist)\") are two other places where the festival is celebrated with much religious fervour.\n\nIn [Punjab](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Punjab,_India \"Punjab, India\"), Shobha Yatras would be organised by various Hindu organisations in different cities. It is a grand festival for [Punjabi Hindus](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Punjabi_Hindus \"Punjabi Hindus\").\n\nIn [Gujarat](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Gujarat \"Gujarat\"), Maha Shivaratri mela is held at [Bhavnath](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Bhavnath \"Bhavnath\") near [Junagadh](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Junagadh \"Junagadh\") where bathing in the Mrugi (Mrigi) kund is considered holy. According to myth, Shiva himself comes to bath in the Mrugi kund.\\[*[citation needed](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Bharatpedia:Citation_needed \"Bharatpedia:Citation needed\")*\\]\n\nIn [West Bengal](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/West_Bengal \"West Bengal\"), Maha Shivaratri is observed devoutly by unmarried girls and boys seeking a suitable husband or wife, often visiting [Tarakeswar](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Tarakeswar \"Tarakeswar\").\\[*[citation needed](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Bharatpedia:Citation_needed \"Bharatpedia:Citation needed\")*\\]\n\nIn [Odisha](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Odisha \"Odisha\"), Maha Shivaratri is also known as *Jagara*. People fast for their wishes whole day and take food after 'Mahadipa' (The great diya) rises at the top of Shiva temple. It usually is held during midnight. Unmarried girls also worship for seeking a suitable husband.\\[*[citation needed](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Bharatpedia:Citation_needed \"Bharatpedia:Citation needed\")*\\]\n\nSpecial anointing rtiuals and worships were performed at the Karuvadikkuppam Kurusithananda Temple in Pondicherry on the eve of Maha Shivaratri with various items including milk and sandalwood for the Shivalingam. Also, a Natyanjali was held at the temple premises.[\\[29\\]](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_note-29)\\[*[better source needed](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=BP:NOTRS&action=edit&redlink=1 \"BP:NOTRS (page does not exist)\")*\\]\n\n### Nepal\\[[edit](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Maha_Shivaratri&veaction=edit&section=5 \"Edit section: Nepal\") \\| [edit source](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Maha_Shivaratri&action=edit&section=5 \"Edit section's source code: Nepal\")\\]\n[File:108 Night View Of Pashupatinath Temple.jpg](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Special:Upload&wpDestFile=108_Night_View_Of_Pashupatinath_Temple.jpg \"File:108 Night View Of Pashupatinath Temple.jpg\")\n\nPashupatinath Temple\n\nMaha Shivaratri is a national holiday in Nepal and celebrated widely in temples all over the country, especially in the [Pashupatinath temple](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Pashupatinath_temple&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Pashupatinath temple (page does not exist)\"). Thousands of devotees visit the famous [Shiva Shakti Peetham](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Shakti_Peetha&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Shakti Peetha (page does not exist)\") nearby as well. Holy rituals are performed all over the nation. Maha Shivaratri is celebrated as Nepali Army Day amid a spectacular ceremony held at the Army Pavilion, [Tundikhel](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Tundikhel&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Tundikhel (page does not exist)\").[\\[30\\]](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_note-30) Artists from various [classical music](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Classical_music&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Classical music (page does not exist)\") and dance forms perform through the night. On Maha Shivaratri, married women pray for the well-being of their husbands, while unmarried women pray for a husband like Shiva, considered as the ideal husband. Shiva is also worshipped as the Adi Guru (first teacher) from whom the divine wisdom originates.[\\[31\\]](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_note-31)[\\[32\\]](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_note-32) In the capital city of Kathmandu, there is a provision of road blockage where children use ropes and strings to stop the people or vehicle passing through in exchange of money.[\\[33\\]](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_note-33) Worshippers of Shiva stay up all night and smoke marijuana as Shiva is believed to be an avid smoker and marijuana smoking on this day is called taking ‘Shivako Prasad’ or ‘Shiva Buti’ literally the \"Blessing of Shiva\".[\\[34\\]](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_note-34) Crowds of sadhus and saints travel to Pashupatinath Temple located in Kathmandu from all of Nepal and neighbouring India to celebrate the day and perform puja on this day.\\[*[citation needed](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Bharatpedia:Citation_needed \"Bharatpedia:Citation needed\")*\\]\n\n### Pakistan\\[[edit](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Maha_Shivaratri&veaction=edit&section=6 \"Edit section: Pakistan\") \\| [edit source](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Maha_Shivaratri&action=edit&section=6 \"Edit section's source code: Pakistan\")\\]\nAnother major temple where Shivaratri is celebrated is the [Shree Ratneshwar Mahadev Temple in Karachi](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Shree_Ratneshwar_Mahadev_Temple,_Karachi&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Shree Ratneshwar Mahadev Temple, Karachi (page does not exist)\") whose Shivaratri festival is attended by 25,000 people.[\\[35\\]](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_note-35) On the Shivaratri night, Hindus in Karachi fast and visit the temple. Later, devotees from the [Chanesar Goth](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Chanesar_Goth&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Chanesar Goth (page does not exist)\") come to the temple carrying water from the holy river [Ganges](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Ganges \"Ganges\"), in order to bathe the idol of [Shiva](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Lord_Shiva&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Lord Shiva (page does not exist)\"). [Puja](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Puja_\\(Hinduism\\) \"Puja (Hinduism)\") is performed until 5 am, when an [aarti](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Aarti \"Aarti\") is then done. Devotees then walk barefoot with women carrying a [pooja thali](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Pooja_thali&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Pooja thali (page does not exist)\") containing flowers, incense sticks, rice, coconut and a [diya](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Diya_\\(lamp\\) \"Diya (lamp)\") to the sea after which they are free to break their fast. They eat breakfast later on, which was made in the temple kitchen.[\\[36\\]](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_note-Shazia_Hasan-36)\n\n### Outside South Asia\\[[edit](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Maha_Shivaratri&veaction=edit&section=7 \"Edit section: Outside South Asia\") \\| [edit source](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Maha_Shivaratri&action=edit&section=7 \"Edit section's source code: Outside South Asia\")\\]\nMaha Shivaratri is the main [Hindu festival](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Hindu_festival&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Hindu festival (page does not exist)\") among the [Shaiva Hindu diaspora](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Shaivite&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Shaivite (page does not exist)\") from [Nepal](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Nepal \"Nepal\") and [India](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/India \"India\"). In [Indo-Caribbean](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Indo-Caribbean \"Indo-Caribbean\") communities, thousands of Hindus spend the beautiful night in over four hundred temples across multiple countries, offering special *jhalls* (an offering of milk and curd, flowers, sugarcane and sweets) to Shiva.[\\[37\\]](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_note-37) In [Mauritius](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Mauritius \"Mauritius\"), [Hindus](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Hindus \"Hindus\") go on pilgrimage to [Ganga Talao](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Ganga_Talao&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Ganga Talao (page does not exist)\"), a crater-lake.[\\[38\\]](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_note-38)\n\n## See also\\[[edit](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Maha_Shivaratri&veaction=edit&section=8 \"Edit section: See also\") \\| [edit source](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Maha_Shivaratri&action=edit&section=8 \"Edit section's source code: See also\")\\]\n- [Pradosha](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Pradosha&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Pradosha (page does not exist)\")\n- [Rudraksha](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Rudraksha \"Rudraksha\")\n- [Vibhuti](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Vibhuti&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Vibhuti (page does not exist)\")\n- [Rudra](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Rudra \"Rudra\")\n- [Linga](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Linga&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Linga (page does not exist)\")\n- [Jangam](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Jangam \"Jangam\")\n## References\\[[edit](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Maha_Shivaratri&veaction=edit&section=9 \"Edit section: References\") \\| [edit source](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Maha_Shivaratri&action=edit&section=9 \"Edit section's source code: References\")\\]\n1. [↑](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_ref-SK_1-0) Stephen Knapp (2012), Hindu Gods & Goddesses, Jaico Publishing House, India, [ISBN](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/ISBN_\\(identifier\\) \"ISBN (identifier)\") [9788184953664](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Special:BookSources\/9788184953664 \"Special:BookSources\/9788184953664\"), page 110\n2. [↑](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_ref-Melton2011p541_2-0)\n   Melton, J. Gordon (2011). [*Religious Celebrations: An Encyclopedia of Holidays, Festivals, Solemn Observances, and Spiritual Commemorations*](https:\/\/books.google.com\/books?id=lD_2J7W_2hQC). ABC-CLIO. pp. 541–542. [ISBN](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/ISBN_\\(identifier\\) \"ISBN (identifier)\")\n   \n   [978-1-59884-206-7](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Special:BookSources\/978-1-59884-206-7 \"Special:BookSources\/978-1-59884-206-7\")\n   \n   .\n3. [↑](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_ref-3)\n   [\"Mahashivratri\"](https:\/\/www.allindianfestivals.in\/mahashivratri\/). 27 December 2020. Retrieved 17 February 2022.\n4. [↑](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_ref-4)\n   [\"2022 Hindu Festivals Calendar, Hindu Tyohar Calendar for Mumbai, Maharashtra, India\"](https:\/\/www.drikpanchang.com\/calendars\/hindu\/hinducalendar.html?geoname-id=1275339&year=2022).\n5. [↑](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_ref-5)\n   LLP, Adarsh Mobile Applications. [\"2021 Maha Shivaratri \\| Shivratri Date and Time for New Delhi, NCT, India\"](http:\/\/www.drikpanchang.com\/festivals\/maha-shivaratri\/maha-shivaratri-date-time.html). *Drikpanchang*.\n6. [↑](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_ref-6)\n   [\"2023 Hindu Festivals\"](https:\/\/www.drikpanchang.com\/calendars\/hindu\/hinducalendar.html?year=2023).\n7. ↑ [7\\.0](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_ref-:0_7-0) [7\\.1](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_ref-:0_7-1)\n   Lochtefeld, James G. (2002). [*The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Hinduism: N-Z*](https:\/\/books.google.com\/books?id=GnmPzgEACAAJ). Rosen. p. 637. [ISBN](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/ISBN_\\(identifier\\) \"ISBN (identifier)\")\n   \n   [978-0-8239-3180-4](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Special:BookSources\/978-0-8239-3180-4 \"Special:BookSources\/978-0-8239-3180-4\")\n   \n   .\n8. ↑ [8\\.0](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_ref-JonesRyan2006p269_8-0) [8\\.1](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_ref-JonesRyan2006p269_8-1) [8\\.2](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_ref-JonesRyan2006p269_8-2) [8\\.3](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_ref-JonesRyan2006p269_8-3) [8\\.4](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_ref-JonesRyan2006p269_8-4)\n   Jones, Constance; D. Ryan, James (2006). [*Encyclopedia of Hinduism*](https:\/\/books.google.com\/books?id=OgMmceadQ3gC&pg=PA269). Infobase Publishing. p. 269. [ISBN](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/ISBN_\\(identifier\\) \"ISBN (identifier)\")\n   \n   [978-0-8160-7564-5](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Special:BookSources\/978-0-8160-7564-5 \"Special:BookSources\/978-0-8160-7564-5\")\n   \n   .\n9. [↑](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_ref-9)\n   Coulter, Charles Russell; Turner, Patricia (6 December 2021). [*Encyclopedia of Ancient Deities*](https:\/\/books.google.com\/books?id=QEJUEAAAQBAJ&dq=shivaratri+wedding&pg=PA428). McFarland. p. 428. [ISBN](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/ISBN_\\(identifier\\) \"ISBN (identifier)\")\n   \n   [978-0-7864-9179-7](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Special:BookSources\/978-0-7864-9179-7 \"Special:BookSources\/978-0-7864-9179-7\")\n   \n   .\n10. ↑ [10\\.0](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_ref-Dhoraisingam35_10-0) [10\\.1](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_ref-Dhoraisingam35_10-1) [10\\.2](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_ref-Dhoraisingam35_10-2) [10\\.3](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_ref-Dhoraisingam35_10-3)\n    Dhoraisingam, Samuel S. (2006). [*Peranakan Indians of Singapore and Melaka*](https:\/\/books.google.com\/books?id=QHwcAgAAQBAJ&pg=PA35). Institute of Southeast Asian Studies. p. 35. [ISBN](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/ISBN_\\(identifier\\) \"ISBN (identifier)\")\n    \n    [978-981-230-346-2](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Special:BookSources\/978-981-230-346-2 \"Special:BookSources\/978-981-230-346-2\")\n    \n    .\n11. ↑ [11\\.0](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_ref-auto1_11-0) [11\\.1](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_ref-auto1_11-1)\n    Om Prakash Juneja; Chandra Mohan (1990). [*Ambivalence: Studies in Canadian Literature*](https:\/\/books.google.com\/books?id=39FHAAAAYAAJ). Allied. pp. 156–157. [ISBN](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/ISBN_\\(identifier\\) \"ISBN (identifier)\")\n    \n    [978-81-7023-109-7](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Special:BookSources\/978-81-7023-109-7 \"Special:BookSources\/978-81-7023-109-7\")\n    \n    .\n12. [↑](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_ref-brunn402_12-0)\n    Brunn, Stanley D. (2015). [*The Changing World Religion Map: Sacred Places, Identities, Practices and Politics*](https:\/\/books.google.com\/books?id=CGh-BgAAQBAJ&pg=PA403). Springer. pp. 402–403. [ISBN](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/ISBN_\\(identifier\\) \"ISBN (identifier)\")\n    \n    [978-94-017-9376-6](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Special:BookSources\/978-94-017-9376-6 \"Special:BookSources\/978-94-017-9376-6\")\n    \n    .\n13. [↑](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_ref-maitra125_13-0)\n    Maitra, Asim (1986). [*Religious Life of the Brahman: A Case Study of Maithil Brahmans*](https:\/\/books.google.com\/books?id=f3LXAAAAMAAJ). Munshilal. p. 125. [ISBN](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/ISBN_\\(identifier\\) \"ISBN (identifier)\")\n    \n    [978-81-210-0171-7](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Special:BookSources\/978-81-210-0171-7 \"Special:BookSources\/978-81-210-0171-7\")\n    \n    .\n14. [↑](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_ref-14)\n    [\"Shiva\"](http:\/\/www.ultindia.org\/tm_magazine\/7204shiva.html). *The Theosophical Movement* (reprint). TEOS, Theosophy Company, Mumbai. **72** (4): 137. 2002 \\[February 1962\\].\n15. [↑](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_ref-15) [Mahashivaratri](http:\/\/www.odisha.gov.in\/portal\/LIWPL\/event_archive\/Events_Archives\/150MAHA_SHIVA_RATRI.pdf) [Archived](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20140327171257\/http:\/\/www.odisha.gov.in\/portal\/LIWPL\/event_archive\/Events_Archives\/150MAHA_SHIVA_RATRI.pdf) 27 March 2014 at the [Wayback Machine](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Wayback_Machine \"Wayback Machine\"), Government of Orissa; [Maha Shivaratri](http:\/\/publicholidays.in\/maha-shivaratri\/), Public Holidays\n16. [↑](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_ref-16)\n    [\"This Mahashivratri, here are five Shiva mantras that will change your life for the better\"](https:\/\/www.timesnownews.com\/the-buzz\/article\/mahashivratri-2018-shiva-maha-shivratri-chaturdashi-shiva-god-parvati-hinduism-shankar-rudra-god-five-shiva-mantras-that-will-change-your-life\/197820). *Times Now*. 12 February 2018. Retrieved 10 March 2021.\n17. [↑](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_ref-17)\n    [\"Mahashivratri 2020: Recite Shiva Chalisa on this auspicious day to impress Shiva and gain wealth and success\"](https:\/\/english.jagran.com\/lifestyle\/mahashivratri-2020-recite-shiva-chalisa-on-this-auspicious-day-to-impress-lord-shiva-and-gain-wealth-and-success-10009068). *Jagran English*. 21 February 2020. Retrieved 10 March 2021.\n18. [↑](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_ref-18)\n    Leuthold, Steven (2010). [*Cross-Cultural Issues in Art: Frames for Understanding*](https:\/\/books.google.com\/books?id=z9GsAgAAQBAJ&pg=PA142). Routledge. pp. 142–143. [ISBN](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/ISBN_\\(identifier\\) \"ISBN (identifier)\")\n    \n    [978-1-136-85455-2](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Special:BookSources\/978-1-136-85455-2 \"Special:BookSources\/978-1-136-85455-2\")\n    \n    .\n19. [↑](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_ref-19)\n    Pintchman, Tracy (2007). [*Women's Lives, Women's Rituals in the Hindu Tradition*](https:\/\/books.google.com\/books?id=7lOc8ZoLV0wC&pg=PA194). [Oxford University Press](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Oxford_University_Press \"Oxford University Press\"). pp. 194–195. [ISBN](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/ISBN_\\(identifier\\) \"ISBN (identifier)\")\n    \n    [978-0-19-803934-1](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Special:BookSources\/978-0-19-803934-1 \"Special:BookSources\/978-0-19-803934-1\")\n    \n    .\n20. [↑](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_ref-20)\n    Pintchman, Tracy (2007). [*Women's Lives, Women's Rituals in the Hindu Tradition*](https:\/\/books.google.com\/books?id=7lOc8ZoLV0wC&pg=PA194). Oxford University Press. pp. 194–196. [ISBN](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/ISBN_\\(identifier\\) \"ISBN (identifier)\")\n    \n    [978-0-19-803934-1](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Special:BookSources\/978-0-19-803934-1 \"Special:BookSources\/978-0-19-803934-1\")\n    \n    .\n21. [↑](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_ref-21)\n    Pugh McCutchen, Brenda (2006). [*Teaching Dance as Art in Education*](https:\/\/books.google.com\/books?id=C0yjXGJ3EEoC). Human Kinetics. p. 450. [ISBN](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/ISBN_\\(identifier\\) \"ISBN (identifier)\")\n    \n    [978-0-7360-5188-0](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Special:BookSources\/978-0-7360-5188-0 \"Special:BookSources\/978-0-7360-5188-0\")\n    \n    .\n22. [↑](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_ref-22)\n    Shobita Punja (1999). [*Khajuraho: the first thousand years*](https:\/\/books.google.com\/books?id=CwfWAAAAMAAJ). Penguin Books. pp. 71–74. [ISBN](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/ISBN_\\(identifier\\) \"ISBN (identifier)\")\n    \n    [9780670891900](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Special:BookSources\/9780670891900 \"Special:BookSources\/9780670891900\")\n    \n    .\n23. [↑](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_ref-23)\n    [\"Narendra Modi in Coimbatore as it happened: PM to unveil 112-foot Shiva idol at Isha Foundation event-India News , Firstpost\"](https:\/\/www.firstpost.com\/india\/narendra-modi-in-coimbatore-live-pm-to-unveil-112-foot-shiva-idol-at-isha-foundation-event-3300396.html). *Firstpost*. 24 February 2017. Retrieved 4 March 2022.\n24. [↑](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_ref-24)\n    Eck, Diana L. (1982). [*Banras, City of Light*](https:\/\/books.google.com\/books?id=lkkqAAAAYAAJ). Knopf. pp. 113, 256, 276. [ISBN](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/ISBN_\\(identifier\\) \"ISBN (identifier)\")\n    \n    [9780394519715](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Special:BookSources\/9780394519715 \"Special:BookSources\/9780394519715\")\n    \n    .\n25. [↑](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_ref-25)\n    [\"🔱Shivaratri - Shivaratri Dates, Schedule and Timing 2023 \\| Next Shivaratri festival on 18 February 2023\"](https:\/\/www.varanasiguru.com\/maha-shivratri\/). *varanasiguru.com*. Retrieved 11 February 2023.\n26. [↑](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_ref-mandi_26-0)\n    [\"International Shivaratri fair in Mandi\"](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20100414002705\/http:\/\/himachaltourism.gov.in\/post\/Mandi.aspx). Himachal tourism. Archived from [the original](http:\/\/himachaltourism.gov.in\/post\/Mandi.aspx) on 14 April 2010. Retrieved 8 February 2012.\n27. [↑](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_ref-shiv_27-0)\n    [\"The International Festival\"](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20090401052653\/http:\/\/mandishivratri.com\/about-mandi.html). Archived from [the original](http:\/\/mandishivratri.com\/about-mandi.html) on 1 April 2009. Retrieved 7 February 2010.\n28. [↑](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_ref-heaven_28-0)\n    [\"Mandi – The Seventh Heaven\"](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20110410001057\/http:\/\/matabhimakali.com\/mandi.html). Archived from [the original](http:\/\/matabhimakali.com\/mandi.html) on 10 April 2011. Retrieved 7 February 2010.\n29. [↑](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_ref-29)\n    [\"You are being redirected...\"](https:\/\/giri.in\/blog\/maha-shivaratri\/) *giri.in*. Retrieved 11 February 2022.\n30. [↑](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_ref-30)\n    [\"Nepali Army \\| नेपाली सेना\"](https:\/\/www.nepalarmy.mil.np\/viewnews\/379).\n31. [↑](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_ref-31)\n    [\"Yoga in Nepal: Why is yoga Nepali best?\"](https:\/\/www.traveldiarynepal.com\/yoga-in-nepal-is-yoga-nepali-best-2020\/). 10 April 2019. Retrieved 3 April 2022.\n32. [↑](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_ref-32)\n    Ltd, Scenic Nepal Treks & Expedition Pvt. [\"Shivaratri Festival in Nepal: Happy Shivaratri \\| Scenic Nepal Treks\"](https:\/\/www.scenicnepaltreks.com\/blog\/shivaratri-festival-in-nepal-happy-shivaratri). *www.scenicnepaltreks.com*. Retrieved 3 April 2022.\n33. [↑](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_ref-33)\n    [\"Blocking the Roads: A Shivaratri Tradition That Needs Rethinking\"](https:\/\/dwitnews.com\/index.php\/archive\/article\/shivaratri-blocking-the-roads#:~:text=As%20the%20festival%20of%20Shivaratri,streets%20to%20get%20some%20money.). *dwitnews.com*. Retrieved 3 April 2022.\n34. [↑](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_ref-34)\n    [\"maha shivaratri\"](https:\/\/bordernepal.wordpress.com\/tag\/maha-shivaratri\/). *Border Nepal Buddhi*. Retrieved 3 April 2022.\n35. [↑](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_ref-35)\n    [\"150-year-old Hindu temple under threat in Karachi\"](https:\/\/www.indiatoday.in\/world\/pakistan\/story\/shri-ratneshwar-mahadev-temple-karachi-overpass-pakistani-hindus-hrcp-187674-2014-04-04). *Indiatoday*. 4 April 2014. Retrieved 28 August 2020.\n36. [↑](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_ref-Shazia_Hasan_36-0)\n    Shazia Hasan (7 March 2016). [\"Hindus celebrate Maha Shivratri festival in Karachi\"](https:\/\/www.dawn.com\/news\/1243973). *Dawn*. Retrieved 28 August 2020.\n37. [↑](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_ref-37)\n    [\"Trinidad Hindus observe Shivratri amid Carnival Celebration\"](https:\/\/repeatingislands.com\/2014\/03\/01\/trinidad-hindus-observe-shivratri-amid-carnival-celebration\/). Repeating Islands. 2 March 2014. Retrieved 31 August 2016.\n38. [↑](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_ref-38)\n    [\"The sacred lake of Ganga Talao\"](https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/2016\/05\/03\/africa\/maha-shivaratri-mauritius\/index.html). CNN. 3 May 2016. Retrieved 12 June 2018.\n## External links\\[[edit](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Maha_Shivaratri&veaction=edit&section=10 \"Edit section: External links\") \\| [edit source](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Maha_Shivaratri&action=edit&section=10 \"Edit section's source code: External links\")\\]\n- [Maha Shivaratri celebrations in the USA by The Pluralism Project](http:\/\/pluralism.org\/religions\/hinduism\/the-hindu-experience\/the-great-night-of-shiva\/)\n- [Mahashivratri images](https:\/\/www.ibc24.in\/maha-shivratri-2022\/full-hd-shivratri-images-780887.html)\n\n[Template:Sindhi festivals](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Template:Sindhi_festivals&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Template:Sindhi festivals (page does not exist)\")\n\n[Template:Public holidays in Sri Lanka](https:\/\/en.bharatpedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Template:Public_holidays_in_Sri_Lanka&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Template:Public holidays in Sri Lanka (page does not exist)\")","meta_canonical":null}

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Boilerpipe Text	Maha Shivaratri File:02 Mahashivratree festival.JPG Meditating Shiva statue on Maha-Shivaratri Observed by Hindus Type Religious Significance Commemoration of the wedding of Shiva and Parvati Veneration of the Tandava dance of Shiva Manifestation of the lingam [ 1 ] Observances Fasting Self-study Jagarana Lingam puja Yoga [ 2 ] Frequency Annual Explanatory note Hindu festival dates The Hindu calendar is lunisolar but most festival dates are specified using the lunar portion of the calendar. A lunar day is uniquely identified by three calendar elements: māsa (lunar month), pakṣa (lunar fortnight) and tithi (lunar day). Furthermore, when specifying the masa, one of two traditions are applicable, viz. amānta / pūrṇimānta . Iff a festival falls in the waning phase of the moon, these two traditions identify the same lunar day as falling in two different (but successive) masa. A lunar year is shorter than a solar year by about eleven days. As a result, most Hindu festivals occur on different days in successive years on the Gregorian calendar. v t e Maha Shivaratri ( Sanskrit : महाशिवरात्रि , romanized: Mahāśivarātri , lit. 'The Great Night of Shiva') is a Hindu festival celebrated annually in honour of the deity Shiva , between February and March. [ 7 ] According to the Hindu calendar , the festival is observed on the fourteenth day of the dark (waning) half of the lunar month of Phalguna or Magha . [ 7 ] [ 8 ] The festival also commemorates the wedding of Shiva and Parvati , [ 9 ] and the occasion that the Shiva performs his divine dance, called the Tandava . [ 10 ] [ 11 ] It is a notable festival in Hinduism , marking a remembrance of "overcoming darkness and ignorance" in life and the world. It is observed by remembering Shiva and chanting prayers, fasting , and meditating on ethics and virtues such as honesty, non-injury to others, charity, forgiveness, and the discovery of Shiva. [ 8 ] Ardent devotees stay awake throughout this night. Others visit one of the Shiva temples or go on a pilgrimage to the Jyotirlingams . The festival is believed to have originated in 5th century BCE. [ 8 ] In Kashmir Shaivism , the festival is called Har-ratri or phonetically simpler Haerath or Herath by Shiva devotees of the Kashmir region. [ 12 ] [ 13 ] Description [ edit \| edit source ] A festival of contemplation During the Vigil Night of Shiva, Mahashivaratri, we are brought to the moment of interval between destruction and regeneration; it symbolizes the night when we must contemplate on that which watches the growth out of the decay. During Mahashivaratri we have to be alone with our sword, the Shiva out of us. We have to look behind and before, to see what evil needs eradicating from our heart, what growth of virtue we need to encourage. Shiva is not only outside of us but within us. To unite ourselves with the One Self is to recognize the Shiva in us. — The Theosophical Movement, Volume 72 [ 14 ] Maha Shivaratri is particularly important in the Shaivism tradition of Hinduism . Unlike most Hindu festivals which are celebrated during the day, Maha Shivaratri is celebrated at night. Furthermore, unlike most Hindu festivals which include expression of cultural revelry, the Maha Shivaratri is a solemn event notable for its introspective focus, fasting, meditation on Shiva, self study, social harmony and an all-night vigil at Shiva temples. [ 8 ] The celebration includes maintaining a jagaran , an all-night vigil and prayers, because Shaiva Hindus mark this night as "overcoming darkness and ignorance" in one's life and the world through Shiva . Offerings of fruits, leaves, sweets and milk are made to Shiva, some perform all-day fasting with Vedic or tantric worship of Shiva, and some perform meditative yoga . [ 15 ] In Shiva temples, the sacred Panchakshari mantra of Shiva, " Om Namah Shivaya " is chanted throughout the day. [ 16 ] Devotees praise Shiva through the recitation of the hymn called the Shiv Chalisa . [ 17 ] Legend and significance [ edit \| edit source ] File:Flickr - dalbera - Shiva Natarâdja, Seigneur de la Danse (musée Guimet).jpg Many legends explain the significance of Maha Shivaratri, one being it is the night of Shiva's dance . File:Mahashivratri festival , Maharashtra.jpg Maha Shivaratri in Maharashtra The Maha Shivaratri is mentioned in several Puranas , particularly the Skanda Purana , Linga Purana , and Padma Purana . These medieval era Shaiva texts present different versions associated with this festival, such as fasting, and offering reverence to a lingam - an emblematic figure of Shiva. [ 8 ] Different legends describe the significance of Maha Shivaratri. According to one legend in the Shaivism tradition, this is the night when Shiva performs the heavenly dance of creation, preservation and destruction. [ 10 ] [ 11 ] The chanting of hymns, the reading of Shiva scriptures and the chorus of devotees joins this cosmic dance and remembers Shiva's presence everywhere. According to another legend, this is the night when Shiva and Parvati got married. [ 10 ] [ 18 ] A different legend states the offering to Shiva icons such as the linga is an annual occasion to get over past sins if any, to restart on a virtuous path and thereby reach Mount Kailasha and liberation. [ 10 ] It is also believed that on this particular day Shiva gulped the halahala produced during the Samudra Manthana and beheld it in his neck which was bruised and turned blue, after which he acquired the epithet Nilakantha . It is also believed that the famous Neelkanth Mahadev Temple is the place where this incident took place. [ citation needed ] The significance of dance tradition to this festival has historical roots. The Maha Shivaratri has served as a historic confluence of artists for annual dance festivals at major Hindu temples such as at Konark , Khajuraho , Pattadakal , Modhera and Chidambaram . [ 19 ] This event is called Natyanjali , literally "worship through dance", at the Chidambaram temple which is famous for its sculpture depicting all dance mudras in the ancient Hindu text of performance arts called Natya Shastra . [ 20 ] [ 21 ] Similarly, at Khajuraho Shiva temples, a major fair and dance festival on Maha Shivaratri, involving Shaiva pilgrims camped over miles around the temple complex, was documented by Alexander Cunningham in 1864. [ 22 ] Worship [ edit \| edit source ] India [ edit \| edit source ] Mahashivaratri is observed at night, usually in lighted temples or specially prepared prabha (above). Maha Shivaratri is celebrated in Tamil Nadu with great pomp and fanfare in the Annamalaiyar temple located in Tiruvannamalai district. The special process of worship on this day is 'Girivalam'/Giri Pradakshina, a 14-kilometer bare foot walk around Shiva's temple on top of the hill. A huge lamp of oil and camphor is lit on the hilltop at sunset - not to be confused with Karthigai Deepam . [ citation needed ] . A ritual marathon is undertaken by the devotees to the 12 Shiva shrines in the district of Kanyakumari on the day of Shivaratri called Sivalaya Ottam . [ citation needed ] In recent years, the Isha Foundation has been a major patron of such festivities in India, with even Prime Minister Narendra Modi having attended the celebration hosted at the site of the Giant Adiyogi in Coimbatore . [ 23 ] The major Jyotirlinga Shiva temples of India, such as in Varanasi and Somanatha, are particularly frequented on Maha Shivaratri. They serve also as sites for fairs and special events. [ 24 ] [ 25 ] In Andhra Pradesh and Telangana , Special pujas are held at Pancharamas - Amararamam of Amaravati , Somaramam of Bhimavaram , Draksharamam , Kumararama of Samarlakota and Ksheerarama of Palakollu. The days immediately after Shivaratri are celebrated as Brahmotsavaalu at Srisailam , one of 12 Jyotirlinga sites. Mahashivaratri utsavalu are held at the Rudreshwara Swamy's 1000 pillar temple in Warangal . Devotees throng for the special poojas at Srikalahasti , Mahanandi , Yaganti , Antarvedi , Kattamanchi , Pattiseema , Bhairavakona , Hanamkonda , Keesaragutta , Vemulawada , Panagal , Kolanupaka amongst others. Shivaratri yatras are held at Mallayya gutta near Kambhalapalle, Gundlakamma Kona near Railway Koduru, Penchalakona, Bhairavakona, Uma Maheswaram amongst others. The Mandi fair is in the town of Mandi is particularly famous as a venue for Maha Shivaratri celebrations. It transforms the town as devotees pour in. It is believed that all gods and goddesses of the area, said to number more than 200, assemble here on the day of Maha Shivaratri. Mandi, located on the banks of Beas , is popularly known as the "Cathedral of Temples" and one of the oldest towns of Himachal Pradesh, with about 81 temples of different deities on its periphery. [ 26 ] [ 27 ] [ 28 ] In Kashmir Shaivism , Maha Shivaratri is celebrated by the Hindus of Kashmir and is called, "Herath" in Kashmiri, a word derived from the Sanskrit word "Hararatri" the "Night of Hara" (another name of Shiva). Shivaratri , regarded as the most important festival of the community, for instance, is celebrated by them on trayodashi or the thirteenth of the dark half of the month of Phalguna (February–March) and not on the chaturdashi or the fourteenth as in the rest of the country. The reason for it is that this long drawn festival that is celebrated for one full fortnight as an elaborate ritual is associated with the appearance of Bhairava ( Shiva ) as a jvala-linga or a linga of flame. It has been described as Bhairavotsava in Tantric texts as on this occasion Bhairava and Bhairavi , his Shakti or cosmic energy, are propitiated through Tantric worship. [ citation needed ] According to the legend associated with the origin of the worship, the linga appeared at pradoshakala or the dusk of early night as a blazing column of fire and dazzled Vatuka Bhairava and Rama (or Ramana) Bhairava, Mahadevi's mind-born sons, who approached it to discover its beginning or end but miserably failed. Exasperated and terrified they began to sing its praises and went to Mahadevi, who herself merged with the awe-inspiring jvala-linga. The Goddess blessed both Vatuka and Ramana that they would be worshipped by human beings and would receive their share of sacrificial offerings on that day and those who would worship them would have all their wishes fulfilled. As Vatuka Bhairava emerged from a pitcher full of water after Mahadevi cast a glance into it, fully armed with all his weapons (and so did Rama), he is represented by a pitcher full of water in which walnuts are kept for soaking and worshipped along with Shiva, Parvati, Kumara, Ganesha, their ganas or attendant deities, yoginis and kshetrapalas (guardians of the quarters) – all represented by clay images. The soaked walnuts are later distributed as naivedya. The ceremony is called 'vatuk barun' in Kashmiri, which means filling the pitcher of water representing the Vatuka Bhairava with walnuts and worshipping it. [ citation needed ] Central India has a large number of Shaiva followers. The Mahakaleshwar Temple , Ujjain is one of the most venerated shrines consecrated to Shiva, where a large congregation of devotees gathers to offer prayers on the day of Maha Shivaratri. Tilwara Ghat in the city of Jabalpur and the Math Temple in the village of Jeonara , Seoni are two other places where the festival is celebrated with much religious fervour. In Punjab , Shobha Yatras would be organised by various Hindu organisations in different cities. It is a grand festival for Punjabi Hindus . In Gujarat , Maha Shivaratri mela is held at Bhavnath near Junagadh where bathing in the Mrugi (Mrigi) kund is considered holy. According to myth, Shiva himself comes to bath in the Mrugi kund. [ citation needed ] In West Bengal , Maha Shivaratri is observed devoutly by unmarried girls and boys seeking a suitable husband or wife, often visiting Tarakeswar . [ citation needed ] In Odisha , Maha Shivaratri is also known as Jagara . People fast for their wishes whole day and take food after 'Mahadipa' (The great diya) rises at the top of Shiva temple. It usually is held during midnight. Unmarried girls also worship for seeking a suitable husband. [ citation needed ] Special anointing rtiuals and worships were performed at the Karuvadikkuppam Kurusithananda Temple in Pondicherry on the eve of Maha Shivaratri with various items including milk and sandalwood for the Shivalingam. Also, a Natyanjali was held at the temple premises. [ 29 ] [ better source needed ] Nepal [ edit \| edit source ] File:108 Night View Of Pashupatinath Temple.jpg Pashupatinath Temple Maha Shivaratri is a national holiday in Nepal and celebrated widely in temples all over the country, especially in the Pashupatinath temple . Thousands of devotees visit the famous Shiva Shakti Peetham nearby as well. Holy rituals are performed all over the nation. Maha Shivaratri is celebrated as Nepali Army Day amid a spectacular ceremony held at the Army Pavilion, Tundikhel . [ 30 ] Artists from various classical music and dance forms perform through the night. On Maha Shivaratri, married women pray for the well-being of their husbands, while unmarried women pray for a husband like Shiva, considered as the ideal husband. Shiva is also worshipped as the Adi Guru (first teacher) from whom the divine wisdom originates. [ 31 ] [ 32 ] In the capital city of Kathmandu, there is a provision of road blockage where children use ropes and strings to stop the people or vehicle passing through in exchange of money. [ 33 ] Worshippers of Shiva stay up all night and smoke marijuana as Shiva is believed to be an avid smoker and marijuana smoking on this day is called taking ‘Shivako Prasad’ or ‘Shiva Buti’ literally the "Blessing of Shiva". [ 34 ] Crowds of sadhus and saints travel to Pashupatinath Temple located in Kathmandu from all of Nepal and neighbouring India to celebrate the day and perform puja on this day. [ citation needed ] Pakistan [ edit \| edit source ] Another major temple where Shivaratri is celebrated is the Shree Ratneshwar Mahadev Temple in Karachi whose Shivaratri festival is attended by 25,000 people. [ 35 ] On the Shivaratri night, Hindus in Karachi fast and visit the temple. Later, devotees from the Chanesar Goth come to the temple carrying water from the holy river Ganges , in order to bathe the idol of Shiva . Puja is performed until 5 am, when an aarti is then done. Devotees then walk barefoot with women carrying a pooja thali containing flowers, incense sticks, rice, coconut and a diya to the sea after which they are free to break their fast. They eat breakfast later on, which was made in the temple kitchen. [ 36 ] Outside South Asia [ edit \| edit source ] Maha Shivaratri is the main Hindu festival among the Shaiva Hindu diaspora from Nepal and India . In Indo-Caribbean communities, thousands of Hindus spend the beautiful night in over four hundred temples across multiple countries, offering special jhalls (an offering of milk and curd, flowers, sugarcane and sweets) to Shiva. [ 37 ] In Mauritius , Hindus go on pilgrimage to Ganga Talao , a crater-lake. [ 38 ] See also [ edit \| edit source ] Pradosha Rudraksha Vibhuti Rudra Linga Jangam References [ edit \| edit source ] ↑ Stephen Knapp (2012), Hindu Gods & Goddesses, Jaico Publishing House, India, ISBN 9788184953664 , page 110 ↑ Melton, J. Gordon (2011). Religious Celebrations: An Encyclopedia of Holidays, Festivals, Solemn Observances, and Spiritual Commemorations . ABC-CLIO. pp. 541–542. ISBN 978-1-59884-206-7 . ↑ "Mahashivratri" . 27 December 2020 . Retrieved 17 February 2022 . ↑ "2022 Hindu Festivals Calendar, Hindu Tyohar Calendar for Mumbai, Maharashtra, India" . ↑ LLP, Adarsh Mobile Applications. "2021 Maha Shivaratri \| Shivratri Date and Time for New Delhi, NCT, India" . Drikpanchang . ↑ "2023 Hindu Festivals" . ↑ 7.0 7.1 Lochtefeld, James G. (2002). The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Hinduism: N-Z . Rosen. p. 637. ISBN 978-0-8239-3180-4 . ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 8.3 8.4 Jones, Constance; D. Ryan, James (2006). Encyclopedia of Hinduism . Infobase Publishing. p. 269. ISBN 978-0-8160-7564-5 . ↑ Coulter, Charles Russell; Turner, Patricia (6 December 2021). Encyclopedia of Ancient Deities . McFarland. p. 428. ISBN 978-0-7864-9179-7 . ↑ 10.0 10.1 10.2 10.3 Dhoraisingam, Samuel S. (2006). Peranakan Indians of Singapore and Melaka . Institute of Southeast Asian Studies. p. 35. ISBN 978-981-230-346-2 . ↑ 11.0 11.1 Om Prakash Juneja; Chandra Mohan (1990). Ambivalence: Studies in Canadian Literature . Allied. pp. 156–157. ISBN 978-81-7023-109-7 . ↑ Brunn, Stanley D. (2015). The Changing World Religion Map: Sacred Places, Identities, Practices and Politics . Springer. pp. 402–403. ISBN 978-94-017-9376-6 . ↑ Maitra, Asim (1986). Religious Life of the Brahman: A Case Study of Maithil Brahmans . Munshilal. p. 125. ISBN 978-81-210-0171-7 . ↑ "Shiva" . The Theosophical Movement (reprint). TEOS, Theosophy Company, Mumbai. 72 (4): 137. 2002 [February 1962]. ↑ Mahashivaratri Archived 27 March 2014 at the Wayback Machine , Government of Orissa; Maha Shivaratri , Public Holidays ↑ "This Mahashivratri, here are five Shiva mantras that will change your life for the better" . Times Now . 12 February 2018 . Retrieved 10 March 2021 . ↑ "Mahashivratri 2020: Recite Shiva Chalisa on this auspicious day to impress Shiva and gain wealth and success" . Jagran English . 21 February 2020 . Retrieved 10 March 2021 . ↑ Leuthold, Steven (2010). Cross-Cultural Issues in Art: Frames for Understanding . Routledge. pp. 142–143. ISBN 978-1-136-85455-2 . ↑ Pintchman, Tracy (2007). Women's Lives, Women's Rituals in the Hindu Tradition . Oxford University Press . pp. 194–195. ISBN 978-0-19-803934-1 . ↑ Pintchman, Tracy (2007). Women's Lives, Women's Rituals in the Hindu Tradition . Oxford University Press. pp. 194–196. ISBN 978-0-19-803934-1 . ↑ Pugh McCutchen, Brenda (2006). Teaching Dance as Art in Education . Human Kinetics. p. 450. ISBN 978-0-7360-5188-0 . ↑ Shobita Punja (1999). Khajuraho: the first thousand years . Penguin Books. pp. 71–74. ISBN 9780670891900 . ↑ "Narendra Modi in Coimbatore as it happened: PM to unveil 112-foot Shiva idol at Isha Foundation event-India News , Firstpost" . Firstpost . 24 February 2017 . Retrieved 4 March 2022 . ↑ Eck, Diana L. (1982). Banras, City of Light . Knopf. pp. 113, 256, 276. ISBN 9780394519715 . ↑ "🔱Shivaratri - Shivaratri Dates, Schedule and Timing 2023 \| Next Shivaratri festival on 18 February 2023" . varanasiguru.com . Retrieved 11 February 2023 . ↑ "International Shivaratri fair in Mandi" . Himachal tourism. Archived from the original on 14 April 2010 . Retrieved 8 February 2012 . ↑ "The International Festival" . Archived from the original on 1 April 2009 . Retrieved 7 February 2010 . ↑ "Mandi – The Seventh Heaven" . Archived from the original on 10 April 2011 . Retrieved 7 February 2010 . ↑ "You are being redirected..." giri.in . Retrieved 11 February 2022 . ↑ "Nepali Army \| नेपाली सेना" . ↑ "Yoga in Nepal: Why is yoga Nepali best?" . 10 April 2019 . Retrieved 3 April 2022 . ↑ Ltd, Scenic Nepal Treks & Expedition Pvt. "Shivaratri Festival in Nepal: Happy Shivaratri \| Scenic Nepal Treks" . www.scenicnepaltreks.com . Retrieved 3 April 2022 . ↑ "Blocking the Roads: A Shivaratri Tradition That Needs Rethinking" . dwitnews.com . Retrieved 3 April 2022 . ↑ "maha shivaratri" . Border Nepal Buddhi . Retrieved 3 April 2022 . ↑ "150-year-old Hindu temple under threat in Karachi" . Indiatoday . 4 April 2014 . Retrieved 28 August 2020 . ↑ Shazia Hasan (7 March 2016). "Hindus celebrate Maha Shivratri festival in Karachi" . Dawn . Retrieved 28 August 2020 . ↑ "Trinidad Hindus observe Shivratri amid Carnival Celebration" . Repeating Islands. 2 March 2014 . Retrieved 31 August 2016 . ↑ "The sacred lake of Ganga Talao" . CNN. 3 May 2016 . Retrieved 12 June 2018 . External links [ edit \| edit source ] Maha Shivaratri celebrations in the USA by The Pluralism Project Mahashivratri images Template:Sindhi festivals Template:Public holidays in Sri Lanka
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A lunar day is uniquely identified by three calendar elements: [māsa](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Astronomical_basis_of_the_Hindu_calendar#chandramasa "Astronomical basis of the Hindu calendar") (lunar month), [pakṣa](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Astronomical_basis_of_the_Hindu_calendar#paksha "Astronomical basis of the Hindu calendar") (lunar fortnight) and [tithi](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Astronomical_basis_of_the_Hindu_calendar#tithi "Astronomical basis of the Hindu calendar") (lunar day). Furthermore, when specifying the masa, one of two traditions are applicable, viz. [amānta](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Hindu_calendar#amanta "Hindu calendar") / [pūrṇimānta](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Hindu_calendar#purnimanta "Hindu calendar"). [Iff](https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Iff&action=edit&redlink=1 "Iff (page does not exist)") a festival falls in the waning phase of the moon, these two traditions identify the same lunar day as falling in two different (but successive) masa. A lunar year is shorter than a solar year by about eleven days. As a result, most Hindu festivals occur on different days in successive years on the Gregorian calendar. \| \| [v](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Template:Hindu_festival_date_info "Template:Hindu festival date info") [t](https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Template_talk:Hindu_festival_date_info&action=edit&redlink=1 "Template talk:Hindu festival date info (page does not exist)") [e](https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Template:Hindu_festival_date_info&action=edit) \| \| \| \|---\| \| Part of [a series](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Category:Shaivism "Category:Shaivism") on \| \| [Shaivism](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Shaivism "Shaivism") \| \| [File:SaivismFlag.svg](https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Upload&wpDestFile=SaivismFlag.svg "File:SaivismFlag.svg") \| \| Deities [Paramashiva](https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Parameshwara_\(god\)&action=edit&redlink=1 "Parameshwara (god) (page does not exist)") (Supreme being) 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[Dakshina](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Dakshina "Dakshina") [Kaula](https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Kaula_\(Hinduism\)&action=edit&redlink=1 "Kaula (Hinduism) (page does not exist)"): [Trika](https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Trika&action=edit&redlink=1 "Trika (page does not exist)")\-[Yamala](https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Yamala&action=edit&redlink=1 "Yamala (page does not exist)")\-[Kubjika](https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Kubjika&action=edit&redlink=1 "Kubjika (page does not exist)")\-[Netra](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Netra_Tantra "Netra Tantra") Others [Nath](https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Nath&action=edit&redlink=1 "Nath (page does not exist)") [Inchegeri](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Inchegeri_Sampradaya "Inchegeri Sampradaya") [Veerashaiva](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Veerashaiva "Veerashaiva")/[Lingayatism](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Lingayatism "Lingayatism") [Siddharism](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Siddhar "Siddhar") [Sroutaism](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/%C5%9Arauta "Śrauta") [Aghori](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Aghori "Aghori") [Indonesian](https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Hinduism_in_Indonesia&action=edit&redlink=1 "Hinduism in Indonesia (page does not exist)") \| \| Scholars [Lakulisha](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Lakulisha "Lakulisha") [Abhinavagupta](https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Abhinavagupta&action=edit&redlink=1 "Abhinavagupta (page does not exist)") [Vasugupta](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Vasugupta "Vasugupta") [Utpaladeva](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Utpaladeva "Utpaladeva") [Nayanars](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Nayanars "Nayanars") [Meykandar](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Meykandar "Meykandar") [Nirartha](https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Dang_Hyang_Nirartha&action=edit&redlink=1 "Dang Hyang Nirartha (page does not exist)") [Basava](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Basava "Basava") [Sharana](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Sharana_\(Hinduism\) "Sharana (Hinduism)") [Srikantha](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Shiva_Advaita "Shiva Advaita") [Appayya](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Appayya_Dikshita "Appayya Dikshita") [Navnath](https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Navnath&action=edit&redlink=1 "Navnath (page does not exist)") \| \| Related [Nandi](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Nandi_\(bull\) "Nandi (bull)") [Tantrism](https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Tantra&action=edit&redlink=1 "Tantra (page does not exist)") [Bhakti](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Bhakti "Bhakti") [Jyotirlinga](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Jyotirlinga "Jyotirlinga") [Shiva Temples](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Template:Shiva_temples "Template:Shiva temples") \| \| [v](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Template:Saivism "Template:Saivism") [t](https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Template_talk:Saivism&action=edit&redlink=1 "Template talk:Saivism (page does not exist)") [e](https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Template:Saivism&action=edit) \| Maha Shivaratri ([Sanskrit](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Sanskrit_language "Sanskrit language"): महाशिवरात्रि, romanized:Mahāśivarātri, [lit.](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Literal_translation "Literal translation")'The Great Night of Shiva') is a [Hindu festival](https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Hindu_festival&action=edit&redlink=1 "Hindu festival (page does not exist)") celebrated annually in honour of the deity [Shiva](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Shiva "Shiva"), between February and March.[\[7\]](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_note-:0-7) According to the [Hindu calendar](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Hindu_calendar "Hindu calendar"), the festival is observed on the fourteenth day of the dark (waning) half of the lunar month of [Phalguna](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Phalguna "Phalguna") or [Magha](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Magha_\(month\) "Magha (month)").[\[7\]](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_note-:0-7)[\[8\]](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_note-JonesRyan2006p269-8) The festival also commemorates the wedding of Shiva and [Parvati](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Parvati "Parvati"),[\[9\]](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_note-9) and the occasion that the Shiva performs his divine dance, called the [Tandava](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Tandava "Tandava").[\[10\]](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_note-Dhoraisingam35-10)[\[11\]](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_note-auto1-11) It is a notable festival in [Hinduism](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Hinduism "Hinduism"), marking a remembrance of "overcoming darkness and ignorance" in life and the world. It is observed by remembering Shiva and chanting prayers, [fasting](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Vrata "Vrata"), and meditating on ethics and virtues such as honesty, non-injury to others, charity, forgiveness, and the discovery of Shiva.[\[8\]](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_note-JonesRyan2006p269-8) Ardent devotees stay awake throughout this night. Others visit one of the Shiva temples or go on a pilgrimage to the [Jyotirlingams](https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Jyotirlingam&action=edit&redlink=1 "Jyotirlingam (page does not exist)"). The festival is believed to have originated in 5th century BCE.[\[8\]](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_note-JonesRyan2006p269-8) In [Kashmir Shaivism](https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Kashmir_Shaivism&action=edit&redlink=1 "Kashmir Shaivism (page does not exist)"), the festival is called Har-ratri or phonetically simpler Haerath or Herath by Shiva devotees of the Kashmir region.[\[12\]](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_note-brunn402-12)[\[13\]](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_note-maitra125-13) ## Contents - [1 Description](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri#Description) - [2 Legend and significance](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri#Legend_and_significance) - [3 Worship](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri#Worship) - [3\.1 India](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri#India) - [3\.2 Nepal](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri#Nepal) - [3\.3 Pakistan](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri#Pakistan) - [3\.4 Outside South Asia](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri#Outside_South_Asia) - [4 See also](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri#See_also) - [5 References](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri#References) - [6 External links](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri#External_links) ## Description\[[edit](https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Maha_Shivaratri&veaction=edit&section=1 "Edit section: Description") \\| [edit source](https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Maha_Shivaratri&action=edit&section=1 "Edit section's source code: Description")\] A festival of contemplation During the Vigil Night of Shiva, Mahashivaratri, we are brought to the moment of interval between destruction and regeneration; it symbolizes the night when we must contemplate on that which watches the growth out of the decay. During Mahashivaratri we have to be alone with our sword, the Shiva out of us. We have to look behind and before, to see what evil needs eradicating from our heart, what growth of virtue we need to encourage. Shiva is not only outside of us but within us. To unite ourselves with the One Self is to recognize the Shiva in us. —The Theosophical Movement, Volume 72[\[14\]](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_note-14) Maha Shivaratri is particularly important in the [Shaivism](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Shaivism "Shaivism") tradition of [Hinduism](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Hinduism "Hinduism"). Unlike most Hindu festivals which are celebrated during the day, Maha Shivaratri is celebrated at night. Furthermore, unlike most Hindu festivals which include expression of cultural revelry, the Maha Shivaratri is a solemn event notable for its introspective focus, fasting, [meditation](https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Meditation&action=edit&redlink=1 "Meditation (page does not exist)") on Shiva, self study, social harmony and an all-night vigil at Shiva temples.[\[8\]](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_note-JonesRyan2006p269-8) The celebration includes maintaining a [jagaran](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Jagran "Jagran"), an all-night vigil and prayers, because Shaiva Hindus mark this night as "overcoming darkness and ignorance" in one's life and the world through [Shiva](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Shiva "Shiva"). Offerings of fruits, leaves, sweets and milk are made to Shiva, some perform all-day fasting with Vedic or tantric worship of Shiva, and some perform meditative [yoga](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Yoga "Yoga").[\[15\]](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_note-15) In Shiva temples, the sacred Panchakshari [mantra](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Mantra "Mantra") of Shiva, "[Om Namah Shivaya](https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Om_Namah_Shivaya&action=edit&redlink=1 "Om Namah Shivaya (page does not exist)")" is chanted throughout the day.[\[16\]](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_note-16) Devotees praise Shiva through the recitation of the hymn called the [Shiv Chalisa](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Shiv_Chalisa "Shiv Chalisa").[\[17\]](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_note-17) ## Legend and significance\[[edit](https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Maha_Shivaratri&veaction=edit&section=2 "Edit section: Legend and significance") \\| [edit source](https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Maha_Shivaratri&action=edit&section=2 "Edit section's source code: Legend and significance")\] [File:Flickr - dalbera - Shiva Natarâdja, Seigneur de la Danse (musée Guimet).jpg](https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Upload&wpDestFile=Flickr_-_dalbera_-_Shiva_Natar%C3%A2dja,_Seigneur_de_la_Danse_\(mus%C3%A9e_Guimet\).jpg "File:Flickr - dalbera - Shiva Natarâdja, Seigneur de la Danse (musée Guimet).jpg") Many legends explain the significance of Maha Shivaratri, one being it is the night of [Shiva's dance](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Nataraja "Nataraja"). [File:Mahashivratri festival , Maharashtra.jpg](https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Upload&wpDestFile=Mahashivratri_festival_,_Maharashtra.jpg "File:Mahashivratri festival , Maharashtra.jpg") Maha Shivaratri in [Maharashtra](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maharashtra "Maharashtra") The Maha Shivaratri is mentioned in several [Puranas](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Puranas "Puranas"), particularly the [Skanda Purana](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Skanda_Purana "Skanda Purana"), [Linga Purana](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Linga_Purana "Linga Purana"), and [Padma Purana](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Padma_Purana "Padma Purana"). These medieval era Shaiva texts present different versions associated with this festival, such as fasting, and offering reverence to a [lingam](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Lingam "Lingam") - an emblematic figure of Shiva.[\[8\]](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_note-JonesRyan2006p269-8) Different legends describe the significance of Maha Shivaratri. According to one legend in the Shaivism tradition, this is the night when Shiva performs the heavenly dance of creation, preservation and destruction.[\[10\]](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_note-Dhoraisingam35-10)[\[11\]](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_note-auto1-11) The chanting of hymns, the reading of Shiva scriptures and the chorus of devotees joins this cosmic dance and remembers Shiva's presence everywhere. According to another legend, this is the night when Shiva and Parvati got married.[\[10\]](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_note-Dhoraisingam35-10)[\[18\]](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_note-18) A different legend states the offering to Shiva icons such as the linga is an annual occasion to get over past sins if any, to restart on a virtuous path and thereby reach [Mount Kailasha](https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Mount_Kailasha&action=edit&redlink=1 "Mount Kailasha (page does not exist)") and liberation.[\[10\]](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_note-Dhoraisingam35-10) It is also believed that on this particular day Shiva gulped the [halahala](https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Halahala&action=edit&redlink=1 "Halahala (page does not exist)") produced during the [Samudra Manthana](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Samudra_manthan "Samudra manthan") and beheld it in his neck which was bruised and turned blue, after which he acquired the epithet [Nilakantha](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Nilakanta_\(Hinduism\) "Nilakanta (Hinduism)"). It is also believed that the famous [Neelkanth Mahadev Temple](https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Neelkanth_Mahadev_Temple&action=edit&redlink=1 "Neelkanth Mahadev Temple (page does not exist)") is the place where this incident took place.\[[citation needed](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Bharatpedia:Citation_needed "Bharatpedia:Citation needed")\] The significance of dance tradition to this festival has historical roots. The Maha Shivaratri has served as a historic confluence of artists for annual dance festivals at major Hindu temples such as at [Konark](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Konark_Sun_Temple "Konark Sun Temple"), [Khajuraho](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Khajuraho_Group_of_Monuments "Khajuraho Group of Monuments"), [Pattadakal](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Pattadakal "Pattadakal"), [Modhera](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Sun_Temple,_Modhera "Sun Temple, Modhera") and [Chidambaram](https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Thillai_Nataraja_Temple,_Chidambaram&action=edit&redlink=1 "Thillai Nataraja Temple, Chidambaram (page does not exist)").[\[19\]](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_note-19) This event is called Natyanjali, literally "worship through dance", at the Chidambaram temple which is famous for its sculpture depicting all dance mudras in the ancient Hindu text of performance arts called [Natya Shastra](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Natya_Shastra "Natya Shastra").[\[20\]](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_note-20)[\[21\]](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_note-21) Similarly, at Khajuraho Shiva temples, a major fair and dance festival on Maha Shivaratri, involving Shaiva pilgrims camped over miles around the temple complex, was documented by Alexander Cunningham in 1864.[\[22\]](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_note-22) ## Worship\[[edit](https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Maha_Shivaratri&veaction=edit&section=3 "Edit section: Worship") \\| [edit source](https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Maha_Shivaratri&action=edit&section=3 "Edit section's source code: Worship")\] See also: [Mandi Shivaratri Fair](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Mandi_Shivaratri_Fair "Mandi Shivaratri Fair") ### India\[[edit](https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Maha_Shivaratri&veaction=edit&section=4 "Edit section: India") \\| [edit source](https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Maha_Shivaratri&action=edit&section=4 "Edit section's source code: India")\] [File:Prabha 09.jpg](https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Upload&wpDestFile=Prabha_09.jpg "File:Prabha 09.jpg") [File:Kotappakonda.jpg](https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Upload&wpDestFile=Kotappakonda.jpg "File:Kotappakonda.jpg") Mahashivaratri is observed at night, usually in lighted temples or specially prepared prabha (above). Maha Shivaratri is celebrated in [Tamil Nadu](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Tamil_Nadu "Tamil Nadu") with great pomp and fanfare in the [Annamalaiyar](https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Arunachalesvara_Temple&action=edit&redlink=1 "Arunachalesvara Temple (page does not exist)") temple located in [Tiruvannamalai](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Tiruvannamalai "Tiruvannamalai") district. The special process of worship on this day is 'Girivalam'/Giri Pradakshina, a 14-kilometer bare foot walk around Shiva's temple on top of the hill. A huge lamp of oil and [camphor](https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Camphor&action=edit&redlink=1 "Camphor (page does not exist)") is lit on the hilltop at sunset - not to be confused with [Karthigai Deepam](https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Karthigai_Deepam&action=edit&redlink=1 "Karthigai Deepam (page does not exist)").\[[citation needed](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Bharatpedia:Citation_needed "Bharatpedia:Citation needed")\]. A ritual marathon is undertaken by the devotees to the 12 Shiva shrines in the district of [Kanyakumari](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Kanyakumari "Kanyakumari") on the day of Shivaratri called [Sivalaya Ottam](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Sivalaya_Ottam "Sivalaya Ottam").\[[citation needed](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Bharatpedia:Citation_needed "Bharatpedia:Citation needed")\] In recent years, the [Isha Foundation](https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Isha_Foundation&action=edit&redlink=1 "Isha Foundation (page does not exist)") has been a major patron of such festivities in India, with even [Prime Minister](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Prime_Minister_of_India "Prime Minister of India") [Narendra Modi](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Narendra_Modi "Narendra Modi") having attended the celebration hosted at the site of the [Giant Adiyogi](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Adiyogi_Shiva_statue "Adiyogi Shiva statue") in [Coimbatore](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Coimbatore "Coimbatore").[\[23\]](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_note-23) The major [Jyotirlinga](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Jyotirlinga "Jyotirlinga") Shiva temples of India, such as in [Varanasi](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Varanasi "Varanasi") and Somanatha, are particularly frequented on Maha Shivaratri. They serve also as sites for fairs and special events.[\[24\]](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_note-24)[\[25\]](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_note-25) In [Andhra Pradesh](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Andhra_Pradesh "Andhra Pradesh") and [Telangana](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Telangana "Telangana"), Special pujas are held at Pancharamas - Amararamam of [Amaravati](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Amaravati "Amaravati"), Somaramam of [Bhimavaram](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Bhimavaram "Bhimavaram"), [Draksharamam](https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Draksharamam&action=edit&redlink=1 "Draksharamam (page does not exist)"), Kumararama of [Samarlakota](https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Samarlakota&action=edit&redlink=1 "Samarlakota (page does not exist)") and Ksheerarama of Palakollu. The days immediately after Shivaratri are celebrated as Brahmotsavaalu at [Srisailam](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Srisailam "Srisailam"), one of 12 Jyotirlinga sites. Mahashivaratri utsavalu are held at the Rudreshwara Swamy's 1000 pillar temple in [Warangal](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Warangal "Warangal"). Devotees throng for the special poojas at [Srikalahasti](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Srikalahasti "Srikalahasti"), [Mahanandi](https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Mahanandi&action=edit&redlink=1 "Mahanandi (page does not exist)"), [Yaganti](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Yaganti_temple "Yaganti temple"), [Antarvedi](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Antarvedi "Antarvedi"), [Kattamanchi](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Kattamanchi "Kattamanchi"), [Pattiseema](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Pattiseema "Pattiseema"), [Bhairavakona](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Bhairavakona "Bhairavakona"), [Hanamkonda](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Hanamkonda "Hanamkonda"), [Keesaragutta](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Keesaragutta_Temple "Keesaragutta Temple"), [Vemulawada](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Vemulawada,_Rajanna_Sircilla_district "Vemulawada, Rajanna Sircilla district"), [Panagal](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Panagal,_Nalgonda_district "Panagal, Nalgonda district"), [Kolanupaka](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Kulpakji "Kulpakji") amongst others. Shivaratri yatras are held at Mallayya gutta near Kambhalapalle, Gundlakamma Kona near Railway Koduru, Penchalakona, Bhairavakona, Uma Maheswaram amongst others. The Mandi fair is in the town of [Mandi](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Mandi,_Himachal_Pradesh "Mandi, Himachal Pradesh") is particularly famous as a venue for Maha Shivaratri celebrations. It transforms the town as devotees pour in. It is believed that all gods and goddesses of the area, said to number more than 200, assemble here on the day of Maha Shivaratri. Mandi, located on the banks of [Beas](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Beas_River "Beas River"), is popularly known as the "Cathedral of Temples" and one of the oldest towns of Himachal Pradesh, with about 81 temples of different deities on its periphery.[\[26\]](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_note-mandi-26)[\[27\]](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_note-shiv-27)[\[28\]](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_note-heaven-28) In [Kashmir Shaivism](https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Kashmir_Shaivism&action=edit&redlink=1 "Kashmir Shaivism (page does not exist)"), Maha Shivaratri is celebrated by the [Hindus](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Hindus "Hindus") of [Kashmir](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Kashmir "Kashmir") and is called, "Herath" in Kashmiri, a word derived from the Sanskrit word "Hararatri" the "Night of Hara" (another name of Shiva). [Shivaratri](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Shivaratri "Shivaratri"), regarded as the most important festival of the community, for instance, is celebrated by them on trayodashi or the thirteenth of the dark half of the month of Phalguna (February–March) and not on the chaturdashi or the fourteenth as in the rest of the country. The reason for it is that this long drawn festival that is celebrated for one full fortnight as an elaborate ritual is associated with the appearance of [Bhairava](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Bhairava "Bhairava") ([Shiva](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Shiva "Shiva")) as a jvala-linga or a linga of flame. It has been described as Bhairavotsava in Tantric texts as on this occasion Bhairava and [Bhairavi](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Bhairavi "Bhairavi"), his Shakti or cosmic energy, are propitiated through Tantric worship.\[[citation needed](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Bharatpedia:Citation_needed "Bharatpedia:Citation needed")\] According to the legend associated with the origin of the worship, the linga appeared at pradoshakala or the dusk of early night as a blazing column of fire and dazzled Vatuka Bhairava and Rama (or Ramana) Bhairava, Mahadevi's mind-born sons, who approached it to discover its beginning or end but miserably failed. Exasperated and terrified they began to sing its praises and went to Mahadevi, who herself merged with the awe-inspiring jvala-linga. The Goddess blessed both Vatuka and Ramana that they would be worshipped by human beings and would receive their share of sacrificial offerings on that day and those who would worship them would have all their wishes fulfilled. As Vatuka Bhairava emerged from a pitcher full of water after Mahadevi cast a glance into it, fully armed with all his weapons (and so did Rama), he is represented by a pitcher full of water in which walnuts are kept for soaking and worshipped along with Shiva, Parvati, Kumara, Ganesha, their ganas or attendant deities, yoginis and kshetrapalas (guardians of the quarters) – all represented by clay images. The soaked walnuts are later distributed as naivedya. The ceremony is called 'vatuk barun' in Kashmiri, which means filling the pitcher of water representing the Vatuka Bhairava with walnuts and worshipping it.\[[citation needed](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Bharatpedia:Citation_needed "Bharatpedia:Citation needed")\] [Central India](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Central_India "Central India") has a large number of Shaiva followers. The [Mahakaleshwar Temple](https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Mahakaleshwar_Temple&action=edit&redlink=1 "Mahakaleshwar Temple (page does not exist)"), [Ujjain](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Ujjain "Ujjain") is one of the most venerated shrines consecrated to Shiva, where a large congregation of devotees gathers to offer prayers on the day of Maha Shivaratri. Tilwara Ghat in the city of [Jabalpur](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Jabalpur "Jabalpur") and the Math Temple in the village of [Jeonara](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Jeonara "Jeonara"), [Seoni](https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Seoni&action=edit&redlink=1 "Seoni (page does not exist)") are two other places where the festival is celebrated with much religious fervour. In [Punjab](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Punjab,_India "Punjab, India"), Shobha Yatras would be organised by various Hindu organisations in different cities. It is a grand festival for [Punjabi Hindus](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Punjabi_Hindus "Punjabi Hindus"). In [Gujarat](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Gujarat "Gujarat"), Maha Shivaratri mela is held at [Bhavnath](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Bhavnath "Bhavnath") near [Junagadh](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Junagadh "Junagadh") where bathing in the Mrugi (Mrigi) kund is considered holy. According to myth, Shiva himself comes to bath in the Mrugi kund.\[[citation needed](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Bharatpedia:Citation_needed "Bharatpedia:Citation needed")\] In [West Bengal](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/West_Bengal "West Bengal"), Maha Shivaratri is observed devoutly by unmarried girls and boys seeking a suitable husband or wife, often visiting [Tarakeswar](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Tarakeswar "Tarakeswar").\[[citation needed](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Bharatpedia:Citation_needed "Bharatpedia:Citation needed")\] In [Odisha](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Odisha "Odisha"), Maha Shivaratri is also known as Jagara. People fast for their wishes whole day and take food after 'Mahadipa' (The great diya) rises at the top of Shiva temple. It usually is held during midnight. Unmarried girls also worship for seeking a suitable husband.\[[citation needed](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Bharatpedia:Citation_needed "Bharatpedia:Citation needed")\] Special anointing rtiuals and worships were performed at the Karuvadikkuppam Kurusithananda Temple in Pondicherry on the eve of Maha Shivaratri with various items including milk and sandalwood for the Shivalingam. Also, a Natyanjali was held at the temple premises.[\[29\]](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_note-29)\[[better source needed](https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=BP:NOTRS&action=edit&redlink=1 "BP:NOTRS (page does not exist)")\] ### Nepal\[[edit](https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Maha_Shivaratri&veaction=edit&section=5 "Edit section: Nepal") \\| [edit source](https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Maha_Shivaratri&action=edit&section=5 "Edit section's source code: Nepal")\] [File:108 Night View Of Pashupatinath Temple.jpg](https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Upload&wpDestFile=108_Night_View_Of_Pashupatinath_Temple.jpg "File:108 Night View Of Pashupatinath Temple.jpg") Pashupatinath Temple Maha Shivaratri is a national holiday in Nepal and celebrated widely in temples all over the country, especially in the [Pashupatinath temple](https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Pashupatinath_temple&action=edit&redlink=1 "Pashupatinath temple (page does not exist)"). Thousands of devotees visit the famous [Shiva Shakti Peetham](https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Shakti_Peetha&action=edit&redlink=1 "Shakti Peetha (page does not exist)") nearby as well. Holy rituals are performed all over the nation. Maha Shivaratri is celebrated as Nepali Army Day amid a spectacular ceremony held at the Army Pavilion, [Tundikhel](https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Tundikhel&action=edit&redlink=1 "Tundikhel (page does not exist)").[\[30\]](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_note-30) Artists from various [classical music](https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Classical_music&action=edit&redlink=1 "Classical music (page does not exist)") and dance forms perform through the night. On Maha Shivaratri, married women pray for the well-being of their husbands, while unmarried women pray for a husband like Shiva, considered as the ideal husband. Shiva is also worshipped as the Adi Guru (first teacher) from whom the divine wisdom originates.[\[31\]](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_note-31)[\[32\]](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_note-32) In the capital city of Kathmandu, there is a provision of road blockage where children use ropes and strings to stop the people or vehicle passing through in exchange of money.[\[33\]](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_note-33) Worshippers of Shiva stay up all night and smoke marijuana as Shiva is believed to be an avid smoker and marijuana smoking on this day is called taking ‘Shivako Prasad’ or ‘Shiva Buti’ literally the "Blessing of Shiva".[\[34\]](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_note-34) Crowds of sadhus and saints travel to Pashupatinath Temple located in Kathmandu from all of Nepal and neighbouring India to celebrate the day and perform puja on this day.\[[citation needed](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Bharatpedia:Citation_needed "Bharatpedia:Citation needed")\] ### Pakistan\[[edit](https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Maha_Shivaratri&veaction=edit&section=6 "Edit section: Pakistan") \\| [edit source](https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Maha_Shivaratri&action=edit&section=6 "Edit section's source code: Pakistan")\] Another major temple where Shivaratri is celebrated is the [Shree Ratneshwar Mahadev Temple in Karachi](https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Shree_Ratneshwar_Mahadev_Temple,_Karachi&action=edit&redlink=1 "Shree Ratneshwar Mahadev Temple, Karachi (page does not exist)") whose Shivaratri festival is attended by 25,000 people.[\[35\]](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_note-35) On the Shivaratri night, Hindus in Karachi fast and visit the temple. Later, devotees from the [Chanesar Goth](https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Chanesar_Goth&action=edit&redlink=1 "Chanesar Goth (page does not exist)") come to the temple carrying water from the holy river [Ganges](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Ganges "Ganges"), in order to bathe the idol of [Shiva](https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Lord_Shiva&action=edit&redlink=1 "Lord Shiva (page does not exist)"). [Puja](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Puja_\(Hinduism\) "Puja (Hinduism)") is performed until 5 am, when an [aarti](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Aarti "Aarti") is then done. Devotees then walk barefoot with women carrying a [pooja thali](https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Pooja_thali&action=edit&redlink=1 "Pooja thali (page does not exist)") containing flowers, incense sticks, rice, coconut and a [diya](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Diya_\(lamp\) "Diya (lamp)") to the sea after which they are free to break their fast. They eat breakfast later on, which was made in the temple kitchen.[\[36\]](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_note-Shazia_Hasan-36) ### Outside South Asia\[[edit](https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Maha_Shivaratri&veaction=edit&section=7 "Edit section: Outside South Asia") \\| [edit source](https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Maha_Shivaratri&action=edit&section=7 "Edit section's source code: Outside South Asia")\] Maha Shivaratri is the main [Hindu festival](https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Hindu_festival&action=edit&redlink=1 "Hindu festival (page does not exist)") among the [Shaiva Hindu diaspora](https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Shaivite&action=edit&redlink=1 "Shaivite (page does not exist)") from [Nepal](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Nepal "Nepal") and [India](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/India "India"). In [Indo-Caribbean](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Indo-Caribbean "Indo-Caribbean") communities, thousands of Hindus spend the beautiful night in over four hundred temples across multiple countries, offering special jhalls (an offering of milk and curd, flowers, sugarcane and sweets) to Shiva.[\[37\]](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_note-37) In [Mauritius](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Mauritius "Mauritius"), [Hindus](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Hindus "Hindus") go on pilgrimage to [Ganga Talao](https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Ganga_Talao&action=edit&redlink=1 "Ganga Talao (page does not exist)"), a crater-lake.[\[38\]](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_note-38) ## See also\[[edit](https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Maha_Shivaratri&veaction=edit&section=8 "Edit section: See also") \\| [edit source](https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Maha_Shivaratri&action=edit&section=8 "Edit section's source code: See also")\] - [Pradosha](https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Pradosha&action=edit&redlink=1 "Pradosha (page does not exist)") - [Rudraksha](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Rudraksha "Rudraksha") - [Vibhuti](https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Vibhuti&action=edit&redlink=1 "Vibhuti (page does not exist)") - [Rudra](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Rudra "Rudra") - [Linga](https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Linga&action=edit&redlink=1 "Linga (page does not exist)") - [Jangam](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Jangam "Jangam") ## References\[[edit](https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Maha_Shivaratri&veaction=edit&section=9 "Edit section: References") \\| [edit source](https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Maha_Shivaratri&action=edit&section=9 "Edit section's source code: References")\] 1. [↑](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_ref-SK_1-0) Stephen Knapp (2012), Hindu Gods & Goddesses, Jaico Publishing House, India, [ISBN](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)") [9788184953664](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/9788184953664 "Special:BookSources/9788184953664"), page 110 2. [↑](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_ref-Melton2011p541_2-0) Melton, J. Gordon (2011). [Religious Celebrations: An Encyclopedia of Holidays, Festivals, Solemn Observances, and Spiritual Commemorations](https://books.google.com/books?id=lD_2J7W_2hQC). ABC-CLIO. pp. 541–542. [ISBN](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)") [978-1-59884-206-7](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-1-59884-206-7 "Special:BookSources/978-1-59884-206-7") . 3. [↑](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_ref-3) ["Mahashivratri"](https://www.allindianfestivals.in/mahashivratri/). 27 December 2020. Retrieved 17 February 2022. 4. [↑](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_ref-4) ["2022 Hindu Festivals Calendar, Hindu Tyohar Calendar for Mumbai, Maharashtra, India"](https://www.drikpanchang.com/calendars/hindu/hinducalendar.html?geoname-id=1275339&year=2022). 5. [↑](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_ref-5) LLP, Adarsh Mobile Applications. ["2021 Maha Shivaratri \\| Shivratri Date and Time for New Delhi, NCT, India"](http://www.drikpanchang.com/festivals/maha-shivaratri/maha-shivaratri-date-time.html). Drikpanchang. 6. [↑](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_ref-6) ["2023 Hindu Festivals"](https://www.drikpanchang.com/calendars/hindu/hinducalendar.html?year=2023). 7. ↑ [7\.0](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_ref-:0_7-0) [7\.1](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_ref-:0_7-1) Lochtefeld, James G. (2002). [The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Hinduism: N-Z](https://books.google.com/books?id=GnmPzgEACAAJ). Rosen. p. 637. [ISBN](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)") [978-0-8239-3180-4](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0-8239-3180-4 "Special:BookSources/978-0-8239-3180-4") . 8. ↑ [8\.0](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_ref-JonesRyan2006p269_8-0) [8\.1](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_ref-JonesRyan2006p269_8-1) [8\.2](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_ref-JonesRyan2006p269_8-2) [8\.3](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_ref-JonesRyan2006p269_8-3) [8\.4](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_ref-JonesRyan2006p269_8-4) Jones, Constance; D. Ryan, James (2006). [Encyclopedia of Hinduism](https://books.google.com/books?id=OgMmceadQ3gC&pg=PA269). Infobase Publishing. p. 269. [ISBN](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)") [978-0-8160-7564-5](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0-8160-7564-5 "Special:BookSources/978-0-8160-7564-5") . 9. [↑](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_ref-9) Coulter, Charles Russell; Turner, Patricia (6 December 2021). [Encyclopedia of Ancient Deities](https://books.google.com/books?id=QEJUEAAAQBAJ&dq=shivaratri+wedding&pg=PA428). McFarland. p. 428. [ISBN](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)") [978-0-7864-9179-7](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0-7864-9179-7 "Special:BookSources/978-0-7864-9179-7") . 10. ↑ [10\.0](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_ref-Dhoraisingam35_10-0) [10\.1](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_ref-Dhoraisingam35_10-1) [10\.2](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_ref-Dhoraisingam35_10-2) [10\.3](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_ref-Dhoraisingam35_10-3) Dhoraisingam, Samuel S. (2006). [Peranakan Indians of Singapore and Melaka](https://books.google.com/books?id=QHwcAgAAQBAJ&pg=PA35). Institute of Southeast Asian Studies. p. 35. [ISBN](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)") [978-981-230-346-2](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-981-230-346-2 "Special:BookSources/978-981-230-346-2") . 11. ↑ [11\.0](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_ref-auto1_11-0) [11\.1](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_ref-auto1_11-1) Om Prakash Juneja; Chandra Mohan (1990). [Ambivalence: Studies in Canadian Literature](https://books.google.com/books?id=39FHAAAAYAAJ). Allied. pp. 156–157. [ISBN](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)") [978-81-7023-109-7](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-81-7023-109-7 "Special:BookSources/978-81-7023-109-7") . 12. [↑](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_ref-brunn402_12-0) Brunn, Stanley D. (2015). [The Changing World Religion Map: Sacred Places, Identities, Practices and Politics](https://books.google.com/books?id=CGh-BgAAQBAJ&pg=PA403). Springer. pp. 402–403. [ISBN](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)") [978-94-017-9376-6](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-94-017-9376-6 "Special:BookSources/978-94-017-9376-6") . 13. [↑](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_ref-maitra125_13-0) Maitra, Asim (1986). [Religious Life of the Brahman: A Case Study of Maithil Brahmans](https://books.google.com/books?id=f3LXAAAAMAAJ). Munshilal. p. 125. [ISBN](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)") [978-81-210-0171-7](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-81-210-0171-7 "Special:BookSources/978-81-210-0171-7") . 14. [↑](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_ref-14) ["Shiva"](http://www.ultindia.org/tm_magazine/7204shiva.html). The Theosophical Movement (reprint). TEOS, Theosophy Company, Mumbai. 72 (4): 137. 2002 \[February 1962\]. 15. [↑](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_ref-15) [Mahashivaratri](http://www.odisha.gov.in/portal/LIWPL/event_archive/Events_Archives/150MAHA_SHIVA_RATRI.pdf) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20140327171257/http://www.odisha.gov.in/portal/LIWPL/event_archive/Events_Archives/150MAHA_SHIVA_RATRI.pdf) 27 March 2014 at the [Wayback Machine](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Wayback_Machine "Wayback Machine"), Government of Orissa; [Maha Shivaratri](http://publicholidays.in/maha-shivaratri/), Public Holidays 16. [↑](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_ref-16) ["This Mahashivratri, here are five Shiva mantras that will change your life for the better"](https://www.timesnownews.com/the-buzz/article/mahashivratri-2018-shiva-maha-shivratri-chaturdashi-shiva-god-parvati-hinduism-shankar-rudra-god-five-shiva-mantras-that-will-change-your-life/197820). Times Now. 12 February 2018. Retrieved 10 March 2021. 17. [↑](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_ref-17) ["Mahashivratri 2020: Recite Shiva Chalisa on this auspicious day to impress Shiva and gain wealth and success"](https://english.jagran.com/lifestyle/mahashivratri-2020-recite-shiva-chalisa-on-this-auspicious-day-to-impress-lord-shiva-and-gain-wealth-and-success-10009068). Jagran English. 21 February 2020. Retrieved 10 March 2021. 18. [↑](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_ref-18) Leuthold, Steven (2010). [Cross-Cultural Issues in Art: Frames for Understanding](https://books.google.com/books?id=z9GsAgAAQBAJ&pg=PA142). Routledge. pp. 142–143. [ISBN](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)") [978-1-136-85455-2](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-1-136-85455-2 "Special:BookSources/978-1-136-85455-2") . 19. [↑](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_ref-19) Pintchman, Tracy (2007). [Women's Lives, Women's Rituals in the Hindu Tradition](https://books.google.com/books?id=7lOc8ZoLV0wC&pg=PA194). [Oxford University Press](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Oxford_University_Press "Oxford University Press"). pp. 194–195. [ISBN](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)") [978-0-19-803934-1](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0-19-803934-1 "Special:BookSources/978-0-19-803934-1") . 20. [↑](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_ref-20) Pintchman, Tracy (2007). [Women's Lives, Women's Rituals in the Hindu Tradition](https://books.google.com/books?id=7lOc8ZoLV0wC&pg=PA194). Oxford University Press. pp. 194–196. [ISBN](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)") [978-0-19-803934-1](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0-19-803934-1 "Special:BookSources/978-0-19-803934-1") . 21. [↑](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_ref-21) Pugh McCutchen, Brenda (2006). [Teaching Dance as Art in Education](https://books.google.com/books?id=C0yjXGJ3EEoC). Human Kinetics. p. 450. [ISBN](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)") [978-0-7360-5188-0](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0-7360-5188-0 "Special:BookSources/978-0-7360-5188-0") . 22. [↑](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_ref-22) Shobita Punja (1999). [Khajuraho: the first thousand years](https://books.google.com/books?id=CwfWAAAAMAAJ). Penguin Books. pp. 71–74. [ISBN](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)") [9780670891900](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/9780670891900 "Special:BookSources/9780670891900") . 23. [↑](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_ref-23) ["Narendra Modi in Coimbatore as it happened: PM to unveil 112-foot Shiva idol at Isha Foundation event-India News , Firstpost"](https://www.firstpost.com/india/narendra-modi-in-coimbatore-live-pm-to-unveil-112-foot-shiva-idol-at-isha-foundation-event-3300396.html). Firstpost. 24 February 2017. Retrieved 4 March 2022. 24. [↑](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_ref-24) Eck, Diana L. (1982). [Banras, City of Light](https://books.google.com/books?id=lkkqAAAAYAAJ). Knopf. pp. 113, 256, 276. [ISBN](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)") [9780394519715](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/9780394519715 "Special:BookSources/9780394519715") . 25. [↑](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_ref-25) ["🔱Shivaratri - Shivaratri Dates, Schedule and Timing 2023 \\| Next Shivaratri festival on 18 February 2023"](https://www.varanasiguru.com/maha-shivratri/). varanasiguru.com. Retrieved 11 February 2023. 26. [↑](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_ref-mandi_26-0) ["International Shivaratri fair in Mandi"](https://web.archive.org/web/20100414002705/http://himachaltourism.gov.in/post/Mandi.aspx). Himachal tourism. Archived from [the original](http://himachaltourism.gov.in/post/Mandi.aspx) on 14 April 2010. Retrieved 8 February 2012. 27. [↑](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_ref-shiv_27-0) ["The International Festival"](https://web.archive.org/web/20090401052653/http://mandishivratri.com/about-mandi.html). Archived from [the original](http://mandishivratri.com/about-mandi.html) on 1 April 2009. Retrieved 7 February 2010. 28. [↑](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_ref-heaven_28-0) ["Mandi – The Seventh Heaven"](https://web.archive.org/web/20110410001057/http://matabhimakali.com/mandi.html). Archived from [the original](http://matabhimakali.com/mandi.html) on 10 April 2011. Retrieved 7 February 2010. 29. [↑](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_ref-29) ["You are being redirected..."](https://giri.in/blog/maha-shivaratri/) giri.in. Retrieved 11 February 2022. 30. [↑](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_ref-30) ["Nepali Army \\| नेपाली सेना"](https://www.nepalarmy.mil.np/viewnews/379). 31. [↑](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_ref-31) ["Yoga in Nepal: Why is yoga Nepali best?"](https://www.traveldiarynepal.com/yoga-in-nepal-is-yoga-nepali-best-2020/). 10 April 2019. Retrieved 3 April 2022. 32. [↑](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_ref-32) Ltd, Scenic Nepal Treks & Expedition Pvt. ["Shivaratri Festival in Nepal: Happy Shivaratri \\| Scenic Nepal Treks"](https://www.scenicnepaltreks.com/blog/shivaratri-festival-in-nepal-happy-shivaratri). www.scenicnepaltreks.com. Retrieved 3 April 2022. 33. [↑](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_ref-33) ["Blocking the Roads: A Shivaratri Tradition That Needs Rethinking"](https://dwitnews.com/index.php/archive/article/shivaratri-blocking-the-roads#:~:text=As%20the%20festival%20of%20Shivaratri,streets%20to%20get%20some%20money.). dwitnews.com. Retrieved 3 April 2022. 34. [↑](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_ref-34) ["maha shivaratri"](https://bordernepal.wordpress.com/tag/maha-shivaratri/). Border Nepal Buddhi. Retrieved 3 April 2022. 35. [↑](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_ref-35) ["150-year-old Hindu temple under threat in Karachi"](https://www.indiatoday.in/world/pakistan/story/shri-ratneshwar-mahadev-temple-karachi-overpass-pakistani-hindus-hrcp-187674-2014-04-04). Indiatoday. 4 April 2014. Retrieved 28 August 2020. 36. [↑](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_ref-Shazia_Hasan_36-0) Shazia Hasan (7 March 2016). ["Hindus celebrate Maha Shivratri festival in Karachi"](https://www.dawn.com/news/1243973). Dawn. Retrieved 28 August 2020. 37. [↑](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_ref-37) ["Trinidad Hindus observe Shivratri amid Carnival Celebration"](https://repeatingislands.com/2014/03/01/trinidad-hindus-observe-shivratri-amid-carnival-celebration/). Repeating Islands. 2 March 2014. Retrieved 31 August 2016. 38. [↑](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_ref-38) ["The sacred lake of Ganga Talao"](https://www.cnn.com/2016/05/03/africa/maha-shivaratri-mauritius/index.html). CNN. 3 May 2016. 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[e](https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Template:Hindu_festivals&action=edit)[![](https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/images/thumb/b/b7/Om_symbol.svg/20px-Om_symbol.svg.png)](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Hinduism "Hinduism") [Festivals in the Hindu calendar](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/List_of_Hindu_festivals "List of Hindu festivals") \| \| \| \|---\|---\|---\| \| Major festivals \| [Bihu](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Bihu "Bihu") [Chhath](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Chhath "Chhath") [Dashahara](https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Dashahara&action=edit&redlink=1 "Dashahara (page does not exist)") [Diwali](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Diwali "Diwali") [Dhanteras](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Dhanteras "Dhanteras") [Naraka Chaturdashi](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Naraka_Chaturdashi "Naraka Chaturdashi") [Lakshmi Puja](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Lakshmi_Puja "Lakshmi Puja") [Balipratipada](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Balipratipada "Balipratipada") [Bhaubeej](https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Bhaubeej&action=edit&redlink=1 "Bhaubeej (page does not exist)") [Durga Puja](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Durga_Puja "Durga Puja") [Ayudha Puja](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Ayudha_Puja "Ayudha Puja") [Vijayadashami](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Vijayadashami "Vijayadashami") Ganesh Festival [Ganesh Chaturthi](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Ganesh_Chaturthi "Ganesh Chaturthi") [Ananta Chaturdashi](https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Ananta_Chaturdashi&action=edit&redlink=1 "Ananta Chaturdashi (page does not exist)") [Holi](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Holi "Holi") [Galungan](https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Galungan&action=edit&redlink=1 "Galungan (page does not exist)") ([Bali](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Balinese_Hinduism "Balinese Hinduism")) [Kartik Purnima](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Kartik_Purnima "Kartik Purnima") [Kali Puja](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Kali_Puja "Kali Puja") [Krishna Janmashtami](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Krishna_Janmashtami "Krishna Janmashtami") [Maha Shivaratri]() [Makar Sankranti](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Makar_Sankranti "Makar Sankranti") [Nyepi](https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Nyepi&action=edit&redlink=1 "Nyepi (page does not exist)") ([Bali](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Balinese_Hinduism "Balinese Hinduism")) [Navaratri](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Navaratri "Navaratri") [Onam](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Onam "Onam") [Pongal](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Thai_Pongal "Thai Pongal") [Rama Navami](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Rama_Navami "Rama Navami") [Thaipusam](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Thaipusam "Thaipusam") [Bhratri Dwitiya](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Bhai_Dooj "Bhai Dooj") [Ratha-Yatra](https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Ratha-Yatra&action=edit&redlink=1 "Ratha-Yatra (page does not exist)") [Vasant Panchami](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Vasant_Panchami "Vasant Panchami") \| [![Hindu Om](https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/images/thumb/b/b7/Om_symbol.svg/60px-Om_symbol.svg.png)](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/File:Om_symbol.svg "Hindu Om") \| \| Other important festivals \| [Ayya Vaikunda Avataram](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Ayya_Vaikunda_Avataram "Ayya Vaikunda Avataram") [Ashadhi Ekadashi](https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Ashadhi_Ekadashi&action=edit&redlink=1 "Ashadhi Ekadashi (page does not exist)") [Buddha Jayanti](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Buddha%27s_Birthday "Buddha's Birthday") [Guru Purnima](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Guru_Purnima "Guru Purnima") [Hanuman Jayanti](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Hanuman_Jayanti "Hanuman Jayanti") [Kashmiri Hindu festivals](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Kashmiri_Hindu_festivals "Kashmiri Hindu festivals") [Mesha Sankranti](https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Mesha_Sankranti&action=edit&redlink=1 "Mesha Sankranti (page does not exist)") [Naga Panchami](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Naga_Panchami "Naga Panchami") [Narali Purnima](https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Narali_Purnima&action=edit&redlink=1 "Narali Purnima (page does not exist)") [Raksha Bandhan](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Raksha_Bandhan "Raksha Bandhan") [Rishi Panchami](https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Rishi_Panchami&action=edit&redlink=1 "Rishi Panchami (page does not exist)") [Sankashti Chaturthi](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Sankashti_Chaturthi "Sankashti Chaturthi") [Sankranti](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Sankranti "Sankranti") [Hartalika Teej](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Teej#Hartalika_Teej "Teej") [Haryali Teej](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Teej#Haryali_Teej "Teej") [Vat Purnima](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Vat_Purnima "Vat Purnima") \| \| \| [Regional New Year](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Indian_New_Year%27s_days "Indian New Year's days") \| [Balipratipada](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Balipratipada "Balipratipada") (Gujarati, Rajasthani) [Bohag Bihu](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Bohag_Bihu "Bohag Bihu") (Assamese) [Bisu Parba](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Bisu_Parba "Bisu Parba") (Tulu) [Chaitra Navaratri](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Navaratri#Chaitra_Navaratri "Navaratri") (North & Central India (Lunar)) [Cheti Chand](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Cheti_Chand "Cheti Chand") (Sindhi) [Gudi Padwa](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Gudi_Padwa "Gudi Padwa") (Marathi, Konkani) [Mha Puja](https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Mha_Puja&action=edit&redlink=1 "Mha Puja (page does not exist)") (Newari) [Jur Sital](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Jur_Sital "Jur Sital") (Maithili) [Navreh](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Navreh "Navreh") (Kashmiri) [Nyepi](https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Nyepi&action=edit&redlink=1 "Nyepi (page does not exist)") ([Bali](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Balinese_Hinduism "Balinese Hinduism")) [Pana Sankranti](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Pana_Sankranti "Pana Sankranti") (Odia) [Pahela Baishakh](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Pahela_Baishakh "Pahela Baishakh") (Bengali) [Puthandu](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Puthandu "Puthandu") (Tamil) [Ugadi](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Ugadi "Ugadi") (Telugu, Kannada) [Vaisakhi](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Vaisakhi "Vaisakhi") (Punjabi, North & Central India(Solar), Nepali) [Vishu](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Vishu "Vishu") (Malayali) \| \| \| Holy days \| [Akshaya Tritiya](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Akshaya_Tritiya "Akshaya Tritiya") [Amalaka Ekadashi](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Amalaka_Ekadashi "Amalaka Ekadashi") [Vaikuntha Ekadashi](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Vaikuntha_Ekadashi "Vaikuntha Ekadashi") [Kamada Ekadashi](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Kamada_Ekadashi "Kamada Ekadashi") [Shravana Putrada Ekadashi](https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Shravana_Putrada_Ekadashi&action=edit&redlink=1 "Shravana Putrada Ekadashi (page does not exist)") [Shayani Ekadashi](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Shayani_Ekadashi "Shayani Ekadashi") [Pausha Putrada Ekadashi](https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Pausha_Putrada_Ekadashi&action=edit&redlink=1 "Pausha Putrada Ekadashi (page does not exist)") [Varuthini Ekadashi](https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Varuthini_Ekadashi&action=edit&redlink=1 "Varuthini Ekadashi (page does not exist)") [Prabodhini Ekadashi](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Prabodhini_Ekadashi "Prabodhini Ekadashi") [Ekadashi](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Ekadashi "Ekadashi") [Gowri Habba](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Gowri_Habba "Gowri Habba") [Karva Chauth](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Karva_Chauth "Karva Chauth") [Mahalakshmi Vrata](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Mahalakshmi_Vrata "Mahalakshmi Vrata") [Nirjala Ekadashi](https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Nirjala_Ekadashi&action=edit&redlink=1 "Nirjala Ekadashi (page does not exist)") [Savitri Brata](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Savitri_Brata "Savitri Brata") [Amavasya](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Amavasya "Amavasya") [Sharad Purnima](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Sharad_Purnima "Sharad Purnima") [Kartik Purnima](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Kartik_Purnima "Kartik Purnima") [Datta Jayanti](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Datta_Jayanti "Datta Jayanti") [Pradosha](https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Pradosha&action=edit&redlink=1 "Pradosha (page does not exist)") \| \| \| Holy periods \| [Chaturmas](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Chaturmas "Chaturmas") [Dhanurmas](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Dhanurmas "Dhanurmas") [Pitri Paksha](https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Pitri_Paksha&action=edit&redlink=1 "Pitri Paksha (page does not exist)") [Uttarayana](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Uttarayana "Uttarayana") [Dakshinayana](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Dakshinayana "Dakshinayana") \| \| \| ![Category](https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/images/thumb/9/96/Symbol_category_class.svg/20px-Symbol_category_class.svg.png) [Hindu festivals](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Category:Hindu_festivals "Category:Hindu festivals") \| \| \| \| [v](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Template:Hindudharma "Template:Hindudharma") [t](https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Template_talk:Hindudharma&action=edit&redlink=1 "Template talk:Hindudharma (page does not exist)") [e](https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Template:Hindudharma&action=edit)[Hinduism](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Hinduism "Hinduism") [topics](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Outline_of_Hinduism "Outline of Hinduism") \| \| \| \|---\|---\|---\| \| [Glossary](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Glossary_of_Hinduism_terms "Glossary of Hinduism terms") \| \| \| \| [Philosophy](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Hindu_philosophy "Hindu philosophy") \| \| ![Hindu "Om" symbol](https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/images/thumb/6/69/Aum_Om_navy_blue_circle_hollow_coral.svg/120px-Aum_Om_navy_blue_circle_hollow_coral.svg.png) \| \| \| \| \| \| [Concepts](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Glossary_of_Hinduism_terms "Glossary of Hinduism terms") \| [Brahman](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Brahman "Brahman") [Om](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Om "Om") [Ishvara](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Ishvara "Ishvara") [Atman](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/%C4%80tman_\(Hinduism\) "Ātman (Hinduism)") [Maya](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maya_\(religion\) "Maya (religion)") [Karma](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Karma "Karma") [Saṃsāra](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Sa%E1%B9%83s%C4%81ra "Saṃsāra") [Puruṣārthas](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Puru%E1%B9%A3%C4%81rtha "Puruṣārtha") [Dharma](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Dharma "Dharma") [Artha](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Artha "Artha") [Kama](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Kama "Kama") [Moksha](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Moksha "Moksha") [Niti](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Ethics_in_religion#Hindu_ethics "Ethics in religion") [Ahimsa](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Ahimsa "Ahimsa") [Asteya](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Achourya "Achourya") [Aparigraha](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Aparigraha "Aparigraha") [Brahmacharya](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Brahmacarya "Brahmacarya") [Satya](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Satya "Satya") [Dāna](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/D%C4%81na "Dāna") [Damah](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Temperance_\(virtue\)#Hinduism "Temperance (virtue)") [Dayā](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Compassion#Hinduism "Compassion") [Akrodha](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Akrodha "Akrodha") \| \| \| [Schools](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Hindu_philosophy "Hindu philosophy") \| [Āstika](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/%C4%80stika_and_n%C4%81stika "Āstika and nāstika"): [Samkhya](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Samkhya "Samkhya") [Yoga](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Yoga "Yoga") [Nyaya](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Nyaya "Nyaya") [Vaisheshika](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Vaisheshika "Vaisheshika") [Mīmāṃsā](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/M%C4%ABm%C4%81%E1%B9%83s%C4%81 "Mīmāṃsā") [Vedanta](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Vedanta "Vedanta") [Dvaita](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Dvaita_Vedanta "Dvaita Vedanta") [Advaita](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Advaita_Vedanta "Advaita Vedanta") [Vishishtadvaita](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Vishishtadvaita "Vishishtadvaita") [Nāstika](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/%C4%80stika_and_n%C4%81stika "Āstika and nāstika"): [Charvaka](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Charvaka "Charvaka") \| \| \| [Texts](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Hindu_texts "Hindu texts") \| \| \| \| \| \| \| \| Classification \| [Śruti](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/%C5%9Aruti "Śruti") [Smriti](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Smriti "Smriti") \| \| \| [Vedas](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Vedas "Vedas") \| \| \| \| \| \| \| \| [Rigveda](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Rigveda "Rigveda") [Yajurveda](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Yajurveda "Yajurveda") [Samaveda](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Samaveda "Samaveda") [Atharvaveda](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Atharvaveda "Atharvaveda") \| \| \| \| Divisions \| [Samhita](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Vedic_chant "Vedic chant") [Brahmana](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Brahmana "Brahmana") [Aranyaka](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Aranyaka "Aranyaka") \| \| \| [Upanishads](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Upanishads "Upanishads") \| [Aitareya](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Aitareya_Upanishad "Aitareya Upanishad") [Kaushitaki](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Kaushitaki_Upanishad "Kaushitaki Upanishad") [Brihadaranyaka](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Brihadaranyaka_Upanishad "Brihadaranyaka Upanishad") [Isha](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Isha_Upanishad "Isha Upanishad") [Taittiriya](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Taittiriya_Upanishad "Taittiriya Upanishad") [Katha](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Katha_Upanishad "Katha Upanishad") [Maitrayaniya](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maitrayaniya_Upanishad "Maitrayaniya Upanishad") [Shvetashvatara](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Shvetashvatara_Upanishad "Shvetashvatara Upanishad") [Chandogya](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Chandogya_Upanishad "Chandogya Upanishad") [Kena](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Kena_Upanishad "Kena Upanishad") [Mundaka](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Mundaka_Upanishad "Mundaka Upanishad") [Mandukya](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Mandukya_Upanishad "Mandukya Upanishad") [Prashna](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Prashna_Upanishad "Prashna Upanishad") \| \| \| [Upavedas](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Upaveda "Upaveda") \| [Ayurveda](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Ayurveda "Ayurveda") [Dhanurveda](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Indian_martial_arts "Indian martial arts") [Natyaveda](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Natya_Shastra "Natya Shastra") [Sthapatyaveda](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Hindu_temple_architecture "Hindu temple architecture") \| \| \| [Vedanga](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Vedanga "Vedanga") \| [Shiksha](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Shiksha "Shiksha") [Chandas](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Sanskrit_prosody "Sanskrit prosody") [Vyākaraṇa](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Vy%C4%81kara%E1%B9%87a "Vyākaraṇa") [Nirukta](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Nirukta "Nirukta") [Kalpa](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Kalpa_\(Vedanga\) "Kalpa (Vedanga)") [Jyotisha](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Jyotisha "Jyotisha") \| \| \| [Other](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/List_of_Hindu_texts "List of Hindu texts") \| [Bhagavad Gita](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Bhagavad_Gita "Bhagavad Gita") [Agamas](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Agama_\(Hinduism\) "Agama (Hinduism)") [Itihasas](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Itihasa "Itihasa") [Ramayana](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Ramayana "Ramayana") [Mahabharata](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Mahabharata "Mahabharata") [Puranas](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Puranas "Puranas") [Minor Upanishads](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Upanishads#Classification "Upanishads") [Arthashastra](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Arthashastra "Arthashastra") [Nitisara](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Nitisara "Nitisara") [Dharmaśāstra](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Dharma%C5%9B%C4%81stra "Dharmaśāstra") [Manusmriti](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Manusmriti "Manusmriti") [Nāradasmṛti](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/N%C4%81radasm%E1%B9%9Bti "Nāradasmṛti") [Yājñavalkya Smṛti](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Y%C4%81j%C3%B1avalkya_Sm%E1%B9%9Bti "Yājñavalkya Smṛti") [Sutras](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Sutra "Sutra") [Stotras](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Stotra "Stotra") [Subhashita](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Subhashita "Subhashita") [Tantras](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Tantras_\(Hinduism\) "Tantras (Hinduism)") [Yoga Vasistha](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Yoga_Vasistha "Yoga Vasistha") [Yoga Sutras of Patanjali](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Yoga_Sutras_of_Patanjali "Yoga Sutras of Patanjali") \| \| \| [Deities](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Hindu_deities "Hindu deities") \| \| \| \| \| \| \| \| [Gods](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Deva_\(Hinduism\) "Deva (Hinduism)") \| [Trimurti](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Trimurti "Trimurti") [Brahma](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Brahma "Brahma") [Vishnu](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Vishnu "Vishnu") [Shiva](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Shiva "Shiva") [Rama](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Rama "Rama") [Krishna](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Krishna "Krishna") [Ganesha](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Ganesha "Ganesha") [Kartikeya](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Kartikeya 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Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. Select Citation Style Bharatpedia contributors. "Maha Shivaratri." Bharatpedia. Last edited March 17, 2023. //en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maha\_Shivaratri content\_copy Copy citation share Share × #### Share To Social Media [![](https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/resources/assets/facebook.svg)](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=%2F%2Fen.bharatpedia.org%2Fwiki%2FMaha_Shivaratri) [![](https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/resources/assets/twitter.svg)](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=Maha+Shivaratri&url=%2F%2Fen.bharatpedia.org%2Fwiki%2FMaha_Shivaratri) [![](https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/resources/assets/whatsapp.svg)](https://api.whatsapp.com/send?text=Maha+Shivaratri+%2F%2Fen.bharatpedia.org%2Fwiki%2FMaha_Shivaratri) *** URL content\_copy
Readable Markdown	![]() \| Maha Shivaratri \| \| \|---\|---\| \| [File:02 Mahashivratree festival.JPG](https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Upload&wpDestFile=02_Mahashivratree_festival.JPG "File:02 Mahashivratree festival.JPG")Meditating Shiva statue on Maha-Shivaratri \| \| \| Observed by \| [Hindus](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Hindus "Hindus") \| \| Type \| Religious \| \| Significance \| Commemoration of the wedding of Shiva and Parvati Veneration of the Tandava dance of Shiva Manifestation of the lingam[\[1\]](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_note-SK-1) \| \| Observances \| Fasting Self-study [Jagarana](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Jagran "Jagran") [Lingam](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Lingam "Lingam") [puja](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Puja_\(Hinduism\) "Puja (Hinduism)") [Yoga](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Yoga "Yoga")[\[2\]](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_note-Melton2011p541-2) \| \| Frequency \| Annual \| \| \| \|---\| \| Hindu festival dates The [Hindu calendar](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Astronomical_basis_of_the_Hindu_calendar "Astronomical basis of the Hindu calendar") is lunisolar but most festival dates are specified using the lunar portion of the calendar. A lunar day is uniquely identified by three calendar elements: [māsa](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Astronomical_basis_of_the_Hindu_calendar#chandramasa "Astronomical basis of the Hindu calendar") (lunar month), [pakṣa](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Astronomical_basis_of_the_Hindu_calendar#paksha "Astronomical basis of the Hindu calendar") (lunar fortnight) and [tithi](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Astronomical_basis_of_the_Hindu_calendar#tithi "Astronomical basis of the Hindu calendar") (lunar day). Furthermore, when specifying the masa, one of two traditions are applicable, viz. [amānta](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Hindu_calendar#amanta "Hindu calendar") / [pūrṇimānta](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Hindu_calendar#purnimanta "Hindu calendar"). [Iff](https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Iff&action=edit&redlink=1 "Iff (page does not exist)") a festival falls in the waning phase of the moon, these two traditions identify the same lunar day as falling in two different (but successive) masa. A lunar year is shorter than a solar year by about eleven days. As a result, most Hindu festivals occur on different days in successive years on the Gregorian calendar. \| \| [v](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Template:Hindu_festival_date_info "Template:Hindu festival date info") [t](https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Template_talk:Hindu_festival_date_info&action=edit&redlink=1 "Template talk:Hindu festival date info (page does not exist)") [e](https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Template:Hindu_festival_date_info&action=edit) \| Maha Shivaratri ([Sanskrit](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Sanskrit_language "Sanskrit language"): महाशिवरात्रि, romanized:Mahāśivarātri, [lit.](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Literal_translation "Literal translation")'The Great Night of Shiva') is a [Hindu festival](https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Hindu_festival&action=edit&redlink=1 "Hindu festival (page does not exist)") celebrated annually in honour of the deity [Shiva](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Shiva "Shiva"), between February and March.[\[7\]](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_note-:0-7) According to the [Hindu calendar](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Hindu_calendar "Hindu calendar"), the festival is observed on the fourteenth day of the dark (waning) half of the lunar month of [Phalguna](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Phalguna "Phalguna") or [Magha](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Magha_\(month\) "Magha (month)").[\[7\]](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_note-:0-7)[\[8\]](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_note-JonesRyan2006p269-8) The festival also commemorates the wedding of Shiva and [Parvati](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Parvati "Parvati"),[\[9\]](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_note-9) and the occasion that the Shiva performs his divine dance, called the [Tandava](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Tandava "Tandava").[\[10\]](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_note-Dhoraisingam35-10)[\[11\]](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_note-auto1-11) It is a notable festival in [Hinduism](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Hinduism "Hinduism"), marking a remembrance of "overcoming darkness and ignorance" in life and the world. It is observed by remembering Shiva and chanting prayers, [fasting](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Vrata "Vrata"), and meditating on ethics and virtues such as honesty, non-injury to others, charity, forgiveness, and the discovery of Shiva.[\[8\]](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_note-JonesRyan2006p269-8) Ardent devotees stay awake throughout this night. Others visit one of the Shiva temples or go on a pilgrimage to the [Jyotirlingams](https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Jyotirlingam&action=edit&redlink=1 "Jyotirlingam (page does not exist)"). The festival is believed to have originated in 5th century BCE.[\[8\]](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_note-JonesRyan2006p269-8) In [Kashmir Shaivism](https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Kashmir_Shaivism&action=edit&redlink=1 "Kashmir Shaivism (page does not exist)"), the festival is called Har-ratri or phonetically simpler Haerath or Herath by Shiva devotees of the Kashmir region.[\[12\]](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_note-brunn402-12)[\[13\]](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_note-maitra125-13) ## Description\[[edit](https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Maha_Shivaratri&veaction=edit&section=1 "Edit section: Description") \\| [edit source](https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Maha_Shivaratri&action=edit&section=1 "Edit section's source code: Description")\] A festival of contemplation During the Vigil Night of Shiva, Mahashivaratri, we are brought to the moment of interval between destruction and regeneration; it symbolizes the night when we must contemplate on that which watches the growth out of the decay. During Mahashivaratri we have to be alone with our sword, the Shiva out of us. We have to look behind and before, to see what evil needs eradicating from our heart, what growth of virtue we need to encourage. Shiva is not only outside of us but within us. To unite ourselves with the One Self is to recognize the Shiva in us. —The Theosophical Movement, Volume 72[\[14\]](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_note-14) Maha Shivaratri is particularly important in the [Shaivism](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Shaivism "Shaivism") tradition of [Hinduism](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Hinduism "Hinduism"). Unlike most Hindu festivals which are celebrated during the day, Maha Shivaratri is celebrated at night. Furthermore, unlike most Hindu festivals which include expression of cultural revelry, the Maha Shivaratri is a solemn event notable for its introspective focus, fasting, [meditation](https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Meditation&action=edit&redlink=1 "Meditation (page does not exist)") on Shiva, self study, social harmony and an all-night vigil at Shiva temples.[\[8\]](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_note-JonesRyan2006p269-8) The celebration includes maintaining a [jagaran](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Jagran "Jagran"), an all-night vigil and prayers, because Shaiva Hindus mark this night as "overcoming darkness and ignorance" in one's life and the world through [Shiva](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Shiva "Shiva"). Offerings of fruits, leaves, sweets and milk are made to Shiva, some perform all-day fasting with Vedic or tantric worship of Shiva, and some perform meditative [yoga](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Yoga "Yoga").[\[15\]](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_note-15) In Shiva temples, the sacred Panchakshari [mantra](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Mantra "Mantra") of Shiva, "[Om Namah Shivaya](https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Om_Namah_Shivaya&action=edit&redlink=1 "Om Namah Shivaya (page does not exist)")" is chanted throughout the day.[\[16\]](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_note-16) Devotees praise Shiva through the recitation of the hymn called the [Shiv Chalisa](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Shiv_Chalisa "Shiv Chalisa").[\[17\]](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_note-17) ## Legend and significance\[[edit](https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Maha_Shivaratri&veaction=edit&section=2 "Edit section: Legend and significance") \\| [edit source](https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Maha_Shivaratri&action=edit&section=2 "Edit section's source code: Legend and significance")\] [File:Flickr - dalbera - Shiva Natarâdja, Seigneur de la Danse (musée Guimet).jpg](https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Upload&wpDestFile=Flickr_-_dalbera_-_Shiva_Natar%C3%A2dja,_Seigneur_de_la_Danse_\(mus%C3%A9e_Guimet\).jpg "File:Flickr - dalbera - Shiva Natarâdja, Seigneur de la Danse (musée Guimet).jpg") Many legends explain the significance of Maha Shivaratri, one being it is the night of [Shiva's dance](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Nataraja "Nataraja"). [File:Mahashivratri festival , Maharashtra.jpg](https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Upload&wpDestFile=Mahashivratri_festival_,_Maharashtra.jpg "File:Mahashivratri festival , Maharashtra.jpg") Maha Shivaratri in [Maharashtra](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maharashtra "Maharashtra") The Maha Shivaratri is mentioned in several [Puranas](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Puranas "Puranas"), particularly the [Skanda Purana](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Skanda_Purana "Skanda Purana"), [Linga Purana](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Linga_Purana "Linga Purana"), and [Padma Purana](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Padma_Purana "Padma Purana"). These medieval era Shaiva texts present different versions associated with this festival, such as fasting, and offering reverence to a [lingam](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Lingam "Lingam") - an emblematic figure of Shiva.[\[8\]](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_note-JonesRyan2006p269-8) Different legends describe the significance of Maha Shivaratri. According to one legend in the Shaivism tradition, this is the night when Shiva performs the heavenly dance of creation, preservation and destruction.[\[10\]](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_note-Dhoraisingam35-10)[\[11\]](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_note-auto1-11) The chanting of hymns, the reading of Shiva scriptures and the chorus of devotees joins this cosmic dance and remembers Shiva's presence everywhere. According to another legend, this is the night when Shiva and Parvati got married.[\[10\]](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_note-Dhoraisingam35-10)[\[18\]](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_note-18) A different legend states the offering to Shiva icons such as the linga is an annual occasion to get over past sins if any, to restart on a virtuous path and thereby reach [Mount Kailasha](https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Mount_Kailasha&action=edit&redlink=1 "Mount Kailasha (page does not exist)") and liberation.[\[10\]](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_note-Dhoraisingam35-10) It is also believed that on this particular day Shiva gulped the [halahala](https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Halahala&action=edit&redlink=1 "Halahala (page does not exist)") produced during the [Samudra Manthana](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Samudra_manthan "Samudra manthan") and beheld it in his neck which was bruised and turned blue, after which he acquired the epithet [Nilakantha](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Nilakanta_\(Hinduism\) "Nilakanta (Hinduism)"). It is also believed that the famous [Neelkanth Mahadev Temple](https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Neelkanth_Mahadev_Temple&action=edit&redlink=1 "Neelkanth Mahadev Temple (page does not exist)") is the place where this incident took place.\[[citation needed](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Bharatpedia:Citation_needed "Bharatpedia:Citation needed")\] The significance of dance tradition to this festival has historical roots. The Maha Shivaratri has served as a historic confluence of artists for annual dance festivals at major Hindu temples such as at [Konark](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Konark_Sun_Temple "Konark Sun Temple"), [Khajuraho](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Khajuraho_Group_of_Monuments "Khajuraho Group of Monuments"), [Pattadakal](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Pattadakal "Pattadakal"), [Modhera](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Sun_Temple,_Modhera "Sun Temple, Modhera") and [Chidambaram](https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Thillai_Nataraja_Temple,_Chidambaram&action=edit&redlink=1 "Thillai Nataraja Temple, Chidambaram (page does not exist)").[\[19\]](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_note-19) This event is called Natyanjali, literally "worship through dance", at the Chidambaram temple which is famous for its sculpture depicting all dance mudras in the ancient Hindu text of performance arts called [Natya Shastra](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Natya_Shastra "Natya Shastra").[\[20\]](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_note-20)[\[21\]](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_note-21) Similarly, at Khajuraho Shiva temples, a major fair and dance festival on Maha Shivaratri, involving Shaiva pilgrims camped over miles around the temple complex, was documented by Alexander Cunningham in 1864.[\[22\]](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_note-22) ## Worship\[[edit](https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Maha_Shivaratri&veaction=edit&section=3 "Edit section: Worship") \\| [edit source](https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Maha_Shivaratri&action=edit&section=3 "Edit section's source code: Worship")\] ### India\[[edit](https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Maha_Shivaratri&veaction=edit&section=4 "Edit section: India") \\| [edit source](https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Maha_Shivaratri&action=edit&section=4 "Edit section's source code: India")\] Mahashivaratri is observed at night, usually in lighted temples or specially prepared prabha (above). Maha Shivaratri is celebrated in [Tamil Nadu](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Tamil_Nadu "Tamil Nadu") with great pomp and fanfare in the [Annamalaiyar](https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Arunachalesvara_Temple&action=edit&redlink=1 "Arunachalesvara Temple (page does not exist)") temple located in [Tiruvannamalai](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Tiruvannamalai "Tiruvannamalai") district. The special process of worship on this day is 'Girivalam'/Giri Pradakshina, a 14-kilometer bare foot walk around Shiva's temple on top of the hill. A huge lamp of oil and [camphor](https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Camphor&action=edit&redlink=1 "Camphor (page does not exist)") is lit on the hilltop at sunset - not to be confused with [Karthigai Deepam](https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Karthigai_Deepam&action=edit&redlink=1 "Karthigai Deepam (page does not exist)").\[[citation needed](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Bharatpedia:Citation_needed "Bharatpedia:Citation needed")\]. A ritual marathon is undertaken by the devotees to the 12 Shiva shrines in the district of [Kanyakumari](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Kanyakumari "Kanyakumari") on the day of Shivaratri called [Sivalaya Ottam](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Sivalaya_Ottam "Sivalaya Ottam").\[[citation needed](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Bharatpedia:Citation_needed "Bharatpedia:Citation needed")\] In recent years, the [Isha Foundation](https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Isha_Foundation&action=edit&redlink=1 "Isha Foundation (page does not exist)") has been a major patron of such festivities in India, with even [Prime Minister](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Prime_Minister_of_India "Prime Minister of India") [Narendra Modi](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Narendra_Modi "Narendra Modi") having attended the celebration hosted at the site of the [Giant Adiyogi](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Adiyogi_Shiva_statue "Adiyogi Shiva statue") in [Coimbatore](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Coimbatore "Coimbatore").[\[23\]](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_note-23) The major [Jyotirlinga](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Jyotirlinga "Jyotirlinga") Shiva temples of India, such as in [Varanasi](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Varanasi "Varanasi") and Somanatha, are particularly frequented on Maha Shivaratri. They serve also as sites for fairs and special events.[\[24\]](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_note-24)[\[25\]](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_note-25) In [Andhra Pradesh](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Andhra_Pradesh "Andhra Pradesh") and [Telangana](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Telangana "Telangana"), Special pujas are held at Pancharamas - Amararamam of [Amaravati](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Amaravati "Amaravati"), Somaramam of [Bhimavaram](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Bhimavaram "Bhimavaram"), [Draksharamam](https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Draksharamam&action=edit&redlink=1 "Draksharamam (page does not exist)"), Kumararama of [Samarlakota](https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Samarlakota&action=edit&redlink=1 "Samarlakota (page does not exist)") and Ksheerarama of Palakollu. The days immediately after Shivaratri are celebrated as Brahmotsavaalu at [Srisailam](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Srisailam "Srisailam"), one of 12 Jyotirlinga sites. Mahashivaratri utsavalu are held at the Rudreshwara Swamy's 1000 pillar temple in [Warangal](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Warangal "Warangal"). Devotees throng for the special poojas at [Srikalahasti](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Srikalahasti "Srikalahasti"), [Mahanandi](https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Mahanandi&action=edit&redlink=1 "Mahanandi (page does not exist)"), [Yaganti](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Yaganti_temple "Yaganti temple"), [Antarvedi](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Antarvedi "Antarvedi"), [Kattamanchi](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Kattamanchi "Kattamanchi"), [Pattiseema](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Pattiseema "Pattiseema"), [Bhairavakona](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Bhairavakona "Bhairavakona"), [Hanamkonda](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Hanamkonda "Hanamkonda"), [Keesaragutta](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Keesaragutta_Temple "Keesaragutta Temple"), [Vemulawada](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Vemulawada,_Rajanna_Sircilla_district "Vemulawada, Rajanna Sircilla district"), [Panagal](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Panagal,_Nalgonda_district "Panagal, Nalgonda district"), [Kolanupaka](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Kulpakji "Kulpakji") amongst others. Shivaratri yatras are held at Mallayya gutta near Kambhalapalle, Gundlakamma Kona near Railway Koduru, Penchalakona, Bhairavakona, Uma Maheswaram amongst others. The Mandi fair is in the town of [Mandi](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Mandi,_Himachal_Pradesh "Mandi, Himachal Pradesh") is particularly famous as a venue for Maha Shivaratri celebrations. It transforms the town as devotees pour in. It is believed that all gods and goddesses of the area, said to number more than 200, assemble here on the day of Maha Shivaratri. Mandi, located on the banks of [Beas](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Beas_River "Beas River"), is popularly known as the "Cathedral of Temples" and one of the oldest towns of Himachal Pradesh, with about 81 temples of different deities on its periphery.[\[26\]](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_note-mandi-26)[\[27\]](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_note-shiv-27)[\[28\]](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_note-heaven-28) In [Kashmir Shaivism](https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Kashmir_Shaivism&action=edit&redlink=1 "Kashmir Shaivism (page does not exist)"), Maha Shivaratri is celebrated by the [Hindus](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Hindus "Hindus") of [Kashmir](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Kashmir "Kashmir") and is called, "Herath" in Kashmiri, a word derived from the Sanskrit word "Hararatri" the "Night of Hara" (another name of Shiva). [Shivaratri](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Shivaratri "Shivaratri"), regarded as the most important festival of the community, for instance, is celebrated by them on trayodashi or the thirteenth of the dark half of the month of Phalguna (February–March) and not on the chaturdashi or the fourteenth as in the rest of the country. The reason for it is that this long drawn festival that is celebrated for one full fortnight as an elaborate ritual is associated with the appearance of [Bhairava](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Bhairava "Bhairava") ([Shiva](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Shiva "Shiva")) as a jvala-linga or a linga of flame. It has been described as Bhairavotsava in Tantric texts as on this occasion Bhairava and [Bhairavi](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Bhairavi "Bhairavi"), his Shakti or cosmic energy, are propitiated through Tantric worship.\[[citation needed](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Bharatpedia:Citation_needed "Bharatpedia:Citation needed")\] According to the legend associated with the origin of the worship, the linga appeared at pradoshakala or the dusk of early night as a blazing column of fire and dazzled Vatuka Bhairava and Rama (or Ramana) Bhairava, Mahadevi's mind-born sons, who approached it to discover its beginning or end but miserably failed. Exasperated and terrified they began to sing its praises and went to Mahadevi, who herself merged with the awe-inspiring jvala-linga. The Goddess blessed both Vatuka and Ramana that they would be worshipped by human beings and would receive their share of sacrificial offerings on that day and those who would worship them would have all their wishes fulfilled. As Vatuka Bhairava emerged from a pitcher full of water after Mahadevi cast a glance into it, fully armed with all his weapons (and so did Rama), he is represented by a pitcher full of water in which walnuts are kept for soaking and worshipped along with Shiva, Parvati, Kumara, Ganesha, their ganas or attendant deities, yoginis and kshetrapalas (guardians of the quarters) – all represented by clay images. The soaked walnuts are later distributed as naivedya. The ceremony is called 'vatuk barun' in Kashmiri, which means filling the pitcher of water representing the Vatuka Bhairava with walnuts and worshipping it.\[[citation needed](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Bharatpedia:Citation_needed "Bharatpedia:Citation needed")\] [Central India](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Central_India "Central India") has a large number of Shaiva followers. The [Mahakaleshwar Temple](https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Mahakaleshwar_Temple&action=edit&redlink=1 "Mahakaleshwar Temple (page does not exist)"), [Ujjain](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Ujjain "Ujjain") is one of the most venerated shrines consecrated to Shiva, where a large congregation of devotees gathers to offer prayers on the day of Maha Shivaratri. Tilwara Ghat in the city of [Jabalpur](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Jabalpur "Jabalpur") and the Math Temple in the village of [Jeonara](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Jeonara "Jeonara"), [Seoni](https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Seoni&action=edit&redlink=1 "Seoni (page does not exist)") are two other places where the festival is celebrated with much religious fervour. In [Punjab](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Punjab,_India "Punjab, India"), Shobha Yatras would be organised by various Hindu organisations in different cities. It is a grand festival for [Punjabi Hindus](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Punjabi_Hindus "Punjabi Hindus"). In [Gujarat](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Gujarat "Gujarat"), Maha Shivaratri mela is held at [Bhavnath](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Bhavnath "Bhavnath") near [Junagadh](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Junagadh "Junagadh") where bathing in the Mrugi (Mrigi) kund is considered holy. According to myth, Shiva himself comes to bath in the Mrugi kund.\[[citation needed](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Bharatpedia:Citation_needed "Bharatpedia:Citation needed")\] In [West Bengal](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/West_Bengal "West Bengal"), Maha Shivaratri is observed devoutly by unmarried girls and boys seeking a suitable husband or wife, often visiting [Tarakeswar](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Tarakeswar "Tarakeswar").\[[citation needed](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Bharatpedia:Citation_needed "Bharatpedia:Citation needed")\] In [Odisha](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Odisha "Odisha"), Maha Shivaratri is also known as Jagara. People fast for their wishes whole day and take food after 'Mahadipa' (The great diya) rises at the top of Shiva temple. It usually is held during midnight. Unmarried girls also worship for seeking a suitable husband.\[[citation needed](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Bharatpedia:Citation_needed "Bharatpedia:Citation needed")\] Special anointing rtiuals and worships were performed at the Karuvadikkuppam Kurusithananda Temple in Pondicherry on the eve of Maha Shivaratri with various items including milk and sandalwood for the Shivalingam. Also, a Natyanjali was held at the temple premises.[\[29\]](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_note-29)\[[better source needed](https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=BP:NOTRS&action=edit&redlink=1 "BP:NOTRS (page does not exist)")\] ### Nepal\[[edit](https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Maha_Shivaratri&veaction=edit&section=5 "Edit section: Nepal") \\| [edit source](https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Maha_Shivaratri&action=edit&section=5 "Edit section's source code: Nepal")\] [File:108 Night View Of Pashupatinath Temple.jpg](https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Upload&wpDestFile=108_Night_View_Of_Pashupatinath_Temple.jpg "File:108 Night View Of Pashupatinath Temple.jpg") Pashupatinath Temple Maha Shivaratri is a national holiday in Nepal and celebrated widely in temples all over the country, especially in the [Pashupatinath temple](https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Pashupatinath_temple&action=edit&redlink=1 "Pashupatinath temple (page does not exist)"). Thousands of devotees visit the famous [Shiva Shakti Peetham](https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Shakti_Peetha&action=edit&redlink=1 "Shakti Peetha (page does not exist)") nearby as well. Holy rituals are performed all over the nation. Maha Shivaratri is celebrated as Nepali Army Day amid a spectacular ceremony held at the Army Pavilion, [Tundikhel](https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Tundikhel&action=edit&redlink=1 "Tundikhel (page does not exist)").[\[30\]](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_note-30) Artists from various [classical music](https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Classical_music&action=edit&redlink=1 "Classical music (page does not exist)") and dance forms perform through the night. On Maha Shivaratri, married women pray for the well-being of their husbands, while unmarried women pray for a husband like Shiva, considered as the ideal husband. Shiva is also worshipped as the Adi Guru (first teacher) from whom the divine wisdom originates.[\[31\]](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_note-31)[\[32\]](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_note-32) In the capital city of Kathmandu, there is a provision of road blockage where children use ropes and strings to stop the people or vehicle passing through in exchange of money.[\[33\]](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_note-33) Worshippers of Shiva stay up all night and smoke marijuana as Shiva is believed to be an avid smoker and marijuana smoking on this day is called taking ‘Shivako Prasad’ or ‘Shiva Buti’ literally the "Blessing of Shiva".[\[34\]](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_note-34) Crowds of sadhus and saints travel to Pashupatinath Temple located in Kathmandu from all of Nepal and neighbouring India to celebrate the day and perform puja on this day.\[[citation needed](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Bharatpedia:Citation_needed "Bharatpedia:Citation needed")\] ### Pakistan\[[edit](https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Maha_Shivaratri&veaction=edit&section=6 "Edit section: Pakistan") \\| [edit source](https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Maha_Shivaratri&action=edit&section=6 "Edit section's source code: Pakistan")\] Another major temple where Shivaratri is celebrated is the [Shree Ratneshwar Mahadev Temple in Karachi](https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Shree_Ratneshwar_Mahadev_Temple,_Karachi&action=edit&redlink=1 "Shree Ratneshwar Mahadev Temple, Karachi (page does not exist)") whose Shivaratri festival is attended by 25,000 people.[\[35\]](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_note-35) On the Shivaratri night, Hindus in Karachi fast and visit the temple. Later, devotees from the [Chanesar Goth](https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Chanesar_Goth&action=edit&redlink=1 "Chanesar Goth (page does not exist)") come to the temple carrying water from the holy river [Ganges](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Ganges "Ganges"), in order to bathe the idol of [Shiva](https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Lord_Shiva&action=edit&redlink=1 "Lord Shiva (page does not exist)"). [Puja](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Puja_\(Hinduism\) "Puja (Hinduism)") is performed until 5 am, when an [aarti](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Aarti "Aarti") is then done. Devotees then walk barefoot with women carrying a [pooja thali](https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Pooja_thali&action=edit&redlink=1 "Pooja thali (page does not exist)") containing flowers, incense sticks, rice, coconut and a [diya](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Diya_\(lamp\) "Diya (lamp)") to the sea after which they are free to break their fast. They eat breakfast later on, which was made in the temple kitchen.[\[36\]](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_note-Shazia_Hasan-36) ### Outside South Asia\[[edit](https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Maha_Shivaratri&veaction=edit&section=7 "Edit section: Outside South Asia") \\| [edit source](https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Maha_Shivaratri&action=edit&section=7 "Edit section's source code: Outside South Asia")\] Maha Shivaratri is the main [Hindu festival](https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Hindu_festival&action=edit&redlink=1 "Hindu festival (page does not exist)") among the [Shaiva Hindu diaspora](https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Shaivite&action=edit&redlink=1 "Shaivite (page does not exist)") from [Nepal](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Nepal "Nepal") and [India](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/India "India"). In [Indo-Caribbean](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Indo-Caribbean "Indo-Caribbean") communities, thousands of Hindus spend the beautiful night in over four hundred temples across multiple countries, offering special jhalls (an offering of milk and curd, flowers, sugarcane and sweets) to Shiva.[\[37\]](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_note-37) In [Mauritius](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Mauritius "Mauritius"), [Hindus](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Hindus "Hindus") go on pilgrimage to [Ganga Talao](https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Ganga_Talao&action=edit&redlink=1 "Ganga Talao (page does not exist)"), a crater-lake.[\[38\]](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_note-38) ## See also\[[edit](https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Maha_Shivaratri&veaction=edit&section=8 "Edit section: See also") \\| [edit source](https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Maha_Shivaratri&action=edit&section=8 "Edit section's source code: See also")\] - [Pradosha](https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Pradosha&action=edit&redlink=1 "Pradosha (page does not exist)") - [Rudraksha](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Rudraksha "Rudraksha") - [Vibhuti](https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Vibhuti&action=edit&redlink=1 "Vibhuti (page does not exist)") - [Rudra](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Rudra "Rudra") - [Linga](https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Linga&action=edit&redlink=1 "Linga (page does not exist)") - [Jangam](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Jangam "Jangam") ## References\[[edit](https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Maha_Shivaratri&veaction=edit&section=9 "Edit section: References") \\| [edit source](https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Maha_Shivaratri&action=edit&section=9 "Edit section's source code: References")\] 1. [↑](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_ref-SK_1-0) Stephen Knapp (2012), Hindu Gods & Goddesses, Jaico Publishing House, India, [ISBN](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)") [9788184953664](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/9788184953664 "Special:BookSources/9788184953664"), page 110 2. [↑](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_ref-Melton2011p541_2-0) Melton, J. Gordon (2011). [Religious Celebrations: An Encyclopedia of Holidays, Festivals, Solemn Observances, and Spiritual Commemorations](https://books.google.com/books?id=lD_2J7W_2hQC). ABC-CLIO. pp. 541–542. [ISBN](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)") [978-1-59884-206-7](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-1-59884-206-7 "Special:BookSources/978-1-59884-206-7") . 3. [↑](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_ref-3) ["Mahashivratri"](https://www.allindianfestivals.in/mahashivratri/). 27 December 2020. Retrieved 17 February 2022. 4. [↑](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_ref-4) ["2022 Hindu Festivals Calendar, Hindu Tyohar Calendar for Mumbai, Maharashtra, India"](https://www.drikpanchang.com/calendars/hindu/hinducalendar.html?geoname-id=1275339&year=2022). 5. [↑](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_ref-5) LLP, Adarsh Mobile Applications. ["2021 Maha Shivaratri \\| Shivratri Date and Time for New Delhi, NCT, India"](http://www.drikpanchang.com/festivals/maha-shivaratri/maha-shivaratri-date-time.html). Drikpanchang. 6. [↑](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_ref-6) ["2023 Hindu Festivals"](https://www.drikpanchang.com/calendars/hindu/hinducalendar.html?year=2023). 7. ↑ [7\.0](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_ref-:0_7-0) [7\.1](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_ref-:0_7-1) Lochtefeld, James G. (2002). [The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Hinduism: N-Z](https://books.google.com/books?id=GnmPzgEACAAJ). Rosen. p. 637. [ISBN](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)") [978-0-8239-3180-4](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0-8239-3180-4 "Special:BookSources/978-0-8239-3180-4") . 8. ↑ [8\.0](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_ref-JonesRyan2006p269_8-0) [8\.1](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_ref-JonesRyan2006p269_8-1) [8\.2](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_ref-JonesRyan2006p269_8-2) [8\.3](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_ref-JonesRyan2006p269_8-3) [8\.4](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_ref-JonesRyan2006p269_8-4) Jones, Constance; D. Ryan, James (2006). [Encyclopedia of Hinduism](https://books.google.com/books?id=OgMmceadQ3gC&pg=PA269). Infobase Publishing. p. 269. [ISBN](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)") [978-0-8160-7564-5](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0-8160-7564-5 "Special:BookSources/978-0-8160-7564-5") . 9. [↑](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_ref-9) Coulter, Charles Russell; Turner, Patricia (6 December 2021). [Encyclopedia of Ancient Deities](https://books.google.com/books?id=QEJUEAAAQBAJ&dq=shivaratri+wedding&pg=PA428). McFarland. p. 428. [ISBN](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)") [978-0-7864-9179-7](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0-7864-9179-7 "Special:BookSources/978-0-7864-9179-7") . 10. ↑ [10\.0](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_ref-Dhoraisingam35_10-0) [10\.1](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_ref-Dhoraisingam35_10-1) [10\.2](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_ref-Dhoraisingam35_10-2) [10\.3](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_ref-Dhoraisingam35_10-3) Dhoraisingam, Samuel S. (2006). [Peranakan Indians of Singapore and Melaka](https://books.google.com/books?id=QHwcAgAAQBAJ&pg=PA35). Institute of Southeast Asian Studies. p. 35. [ISBN](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)") [978-981-230-346-2](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-981-230-346-2 "Special:BookSources/978-981-230-346-2") . 11. ↑ [11\.0](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_ref-auto1_11-0) [11\.1](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_ref-auto1_11-1) Om Prakash Juneja; Chandra Mohan (1990). [Ambivalence: Studies in Canadian Literature](https://books.google.com/books?id=39FHAAAAYAAJ). Allied. pp. 156–157. [ISBN](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)") [978-81-7023-109-7](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-81-7023-109-7 "Special:BookSources/978-81-7023-109-7") . 12. [↑](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_ref-brunn402_12-0) Brunn, Stanley D. (2015). [The Changing World Religion Map: Sacred Places, Identities, Practices and Politics](https://books.google.com/books?id=CGh-BgAAQBAJ&pg=PA403). Springer. pp. 402–403. [ISBN](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)") [978-94-017-9376-6](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-94-017-9376-6 "Special:BookSources/978-94-017-9376-6") . 13. [↑](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_ref-maitra125_13-0) Maitra, Asim (1986). [Religious Life of the Brahman: A Case Study of Maithil Brahmans](https://books.google.com/books?id=f3LXAAAAMAAJ). Munshilal. p. 125. [ISBN](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)") [978-81-210-0171-7](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-81-210-0171-7 "Special:BookSources/978-81-210-0171-7") . 14. [↑](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_ref-14) ["Shiva"](http://www.ultindia.org/tm_magazine/7204shiva.html). The Theosophical Movement (reprint). TEOS, Theosophy Company, Mumbai. 72 (4): 137. 2002 \[February 1962\]. 15. [↑](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_ref-15) [Mahashivaratri](http://www.odisha.gov.in/portal/LIWPL/event_archive/Events_Archives/150MAHA_SHIVA_RATRI.pdf) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20140327171257/http://www.odisha.gov.in/portal/LIWPL/event_archive/Events_Archives/150MAHA_SHIVA_RATRI.pdf) 27 March 2014 at the [Wayback Machine](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Wayback_Machine "Wayback Machine"), Government of Orissa; [Maha Shivaratri](http://publicholidays.in/maha-shivaratri/), Public Holidays 16. [↑](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_ref-16) ["This Mahashivratri, here are five Shiva mantras that will change your life for the better"](https://www.timesnownews.com/the-buzz/article/mahashivratri-2018-shiva-maha-shivratri-chaturdashi-shiva-god-parvati-hinduism-shankar-rudra-god-five-shiva-mantras-that-will-change-your-life/197820). Times Now. 12 February 2018. Retrieved 10 March 2021. 17. [↑](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_ref-17) ["Mahashivratri 2020: Recite Shiva Chalisa on this auspicious day to impress Shiva and gain wealth and success"](https://english.jagran.com/lifestyle/mahashivratri-2020-recite-shiva-chalisa-on-this-auspicious-day-to-impress-lord-shiva-and-gain-wealth-and-success-10009068). Jagran English. 21 February 2020. Retrieved 10 March 2021. 18. [↑](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_ref-18) Leuthold, Steven (2010). [Cross-Cultural Issues in Art: Frames for Understanding](https://books.google.com/books?id=z9GsAgAAQBAJ&pg=PA142). Routledge. pp. 142–143. [ISBN](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)") [978-1-136-85455-2](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-1-136-85455-2 "Special:BookSources/978-1-136-85455-2") . 19. [↑](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_ref-19) Pintchman, Tracy (2007). [Women's Lives, Women's Rituals in the Hindu Tradition](https://books.google.com/books?id=7lOc8ZoLV0wC&pg=PA194). [Oxford University Press](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Oxford_University_Press "Oxford University Press"). pp. 194–195. [ISBN](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)") [978-0-19-803934-1](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0-19-803934-1 "Special:BookSources/978-0-19-803934-1") . 20. [↑](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_ref-20) Pintchman, Tracy (2007). [Women's Lives, Women's Rituals in the Hindu Tradition](https://books.google.com/books?id=7lOc8ZoLV0wC&pg=PA194). Oxford University Press. pp. 194–196. [ISBN](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)") [978-0-19-803934-1](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0-19-803934-1 "Special:BookSources/978-0-19-803934-1") . 21. [↑](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_ref-21) Pugh McCutchen, Brenda (2006). [Teaching Dance as Art in Education](https://books.google.com/books?id=C0yjXGJ3EEoC). Human Kinetics. p. 450. [ISBN](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)") [978-0-7360-5188-0](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0-7360-5188-0 "Special:BookSources/978-0-7360-5188-0") . 22. [↑](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_ref-22) Shobita Punja (1999). [Khajuraho: the first thousand years](https://books.google.com/books?id=CwfWAAAAMAAJ). Penguin Books. pp. 71–74. [ISBN](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)") [9780670891900](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/9780670891900 "Special:BookSources/9780670891900") . 23. [↑](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_ref-23) ["Narendra Modi in Coimbatore as it happened: PM to unveil 112-foot Shiva idol at Isha Foundation event-India News , Firstpost"](https://www.firstpost.com/india/narendra-modi-in-coimbatore-live-pm-to-unveil-112-foot-shiva-idol-at-isha-foundation-event-3300396.html). Firstpost. 24 February 2017. Retrieved 4 March 2022. 24. [↑](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_ref-24) Eck, Diana L. (1982). [Banras, City of Light](https://books.google.com/books?id=lkkqAAAAYAAJ). Knopf. pp. 113, 256, 276. [ISBN](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)") [9780394519715](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/9780394519715 "Special:BookSources/9780394519715") . 25. [↑](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_ref-25) ["🔱Shivaratri - Shivaratri Dates, Schedule and Timing 2023 \\| Next Shivaratri festival on 18 February 2023"](https://www.varanasiguru.com/maha-shivratri/). varanasiguru.com. Retrieved 11 February 2023. 26. [↑](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_ref-mandi_26-0) ["International Shivaratri fair in Mandi"](https://web.archive.org/web/20100414002705/http://himachaltourism.gov.in/post/Mandi.aspx). Himachal tourism. Archived from [the original](http://himachaltourism.gov.in/post/Mandi.aspx) on 14 April 2010. Retrieved 8 February 2012. 27. [↑](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_ref-shiv_27-0) ["The International Festival"](https://web.archive.org/web/20090401052653/http://mandishivratri.com/about-mandi.html). Archived from [the original](http://mandishivratri.com/about-mandi.html) on 1 April 2009. Retrieved 7 February 2010. 28. [↑](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_ref-heaven_28-0) ["Mandi – The Seventh Heaven"](https://web.archive.org/web/20110410001057/http://matabhimakali.com/mandi.html). Archived from [the original](http://matabhimakali.com/mandi.html) on 10 April 2011. Retrieved 7 February 2010. 29. [↑](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_ref-29) ["You are being redirected..."](https://giri.in/blog/maha-shivaratri/) giri.in. Retrieved 11 February 2022. 30. [↑](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_ref-30) ["Nepali Army \\| नेपाली सेना"](https://www.nepalarmy.mil.np/viewnews/379). 31. [↑](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_ref-31) ["Yoga in Nepal: Why is yoga Nepali best?"](https://www.traveldiarynepal.com/yoga-in-nepal-is-yoga-nepali-best-2020/). 10 April 2019. Retrieved 3 April 2022. 32. [↑](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_ref-32) Ltd, Scenic Nepal Treks & Expedition Pvt. ["Shivaratri Festival in Nepal: Happy Shivaratri \\| Scenic Nepal Treks"](https://www.scenicnepaltreks.com/blog/shivaratri-festival-in-nepal-happy-shivaratri). www.scenicnepaltreks.com. Retrieved 3 April 2022. 33. [↑](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_ref-33) ["Blocking the Roads: A Shivaratri Tradition That Needs Rethinking"](https://dwitnews.com/index.php/archive/article/shivaratri-blocking-the-roads#:~:text=As%20the%20festival%20of%20Shivaratri,streets%20to%20get%20some%20money.). dwitnews.com. Retrieved 3 April 2022. 34. [↑](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_ref-34) ["maha shivaratri"](https://bordernepal.wordpress.com/tag/maha-shivaratri/). Border Nepal Buddhi. Retrieved 3 April 2022. 35. [↑](https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri#cite_ref-35) ["150-year-old Hindu temple under threat in Karachi"](https://www.indiatoday.in/world/pakistan/story/shri-ratneshwar-mahadev-temple-karachi-overpass-pakistani-hindus-hrcp-187674-2014-04-04). 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