Mahashivratri and the supreme Lord Shiva!!

VARANASI, THE SPIRITUAL CAPITAL OF INDIA AND THE SECOND HOME OF SHIVA

Mahashivratri is a festival dedicated to SHIVA, known as " the destroyer God" in Hindu trinity. In Hinduism, Shiva is worshipped as a supreme being who creates, protects and transforms the universe. It is the belief of Hindu that Mahashivratri is the night of the wedding of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati and is observed by chanting mantras, fasting and meditating.

Varanasi, being the headquarter of Shiva’s command, celebrates Shivratri with extra zeal and passion. 'Kashi Vishwanath Temple' (the highest seat of Lord) along with other 5000 Shiva temple is decorated and thousands of devotees visit the temples in serpentine ques right from the dawn.

Shivratri Celebrations in  the Temple

On Shivaratri, worship of Lord Shiva continues all through the day and night. Every three hours priests perform ritual pooja of Shivalingam by bathing it with milk, yogurt, honey, ghee, sugar, and water amidst the chanting of ‘Om Namah Shivaya’ and ringing of temple bells. Nightlong vigil or jaagran is also observed in Shiva temples where a large number of devotees spends the night singing hymns and devotional songs in praise of Lord Shiva. It is only on the following morning that devotee breaks their fast by partaking prasad offered to the deity.

The dedication of Hindu devotees is unmatchable 

If you are visiting this city with the sole purpose of celebrating Maha Shivaratri and live into the enthusiasm of the festival, then I would say to book your seat at the roadside corner with flowers in your hand to welcome the devotees as you will be going to witness one of the wonders passing infront of you. "PANCHAKROSHI YATRA", the Yatra is conducted on this day, when Thousands of devotees walk bare feet for more than 80kms to pour ‘Gangajal’ over the prominent Shiva temple (no doubt, one of the most difficult hiking of the world). On successful completion of this yatra, the sense of accomplishment and spirituality of the devotees are so high that they can’t feel the pain of their bloody-bruised feet and their super cramped muscles.

Tradition of Drinking Thandai- THE MAHAPRASAD

If you have not taken the taste of Mahaprasad of Varanasi, there is no meaning of travelling so far with all such efforts. Since Lord Shiva is regarded as an ascetic god, Maha Shivratri is very popular with ascetics. Thandai, a drink made with bhang (cannabis), almonds, and milk, is essentially drunk by the devout on the day as cannabis is said to have been very dear to Shiva. After the prayers and rituals devotees consume Bhaang (Cannabis) laced drinks (Thandai) as prasad. Bhang helps them to enact like ‘Shiva Barati’ and give them the much-needed power to dance for the whole night.

Traditions and Customs of Maha Shivaratri in Varanasi

A variety of traditions and customs associated with the Maha Shivaratri are followed by worshipers of the Lord Shiva from era in Benares. This festival is celebrated in the dark fortnight or in a moonless night. It is also considered that, at the Shivaratri Lord Shiva had performed the Tandava Nritya which is known as the dance of primeval creation, conservation and demolition. Devotees keep strict fast on this day in the respect of Shiva, they eat only fruits and drink milk, some of them do not take even a single drop of water.

I would like to end my blog by saying just that India is a cluster of diverse faith and beliefs but it is the Festivals that keep Indians unified since centuries and more. The rich and secular culture of India is the only reason behind the existence of such a diverse population in a single sovereign country.