Maha Shivratri 2023 is a Hindu festival that is celebrated annually in honor of Lord Shiva, one of the three main deities in Hinduism. This festival holds great significance for millions of Hindu followers around the world and is celebrated with devotion, fasting, and a variety of rituals and offerings.
The word "Maha Shivratri 2023" literally translates to "Great Night of Shiva," and it is believed that on this day, Lord Shiva performed the "Tandava," a cosmic dance of creation, preservation, and destruction. It is also said that on this day, Lord Shiva was married to Parvati, the Hindu goddess of love, fertility, and devotion.
When is Shivratri | शिवरात्रि कब है
The festival of Maha Shivratri 2023 falls on the 13th or 14th day of the Hindu month of Phalguna, which usually falls in the months of February or March.
It is considered one of the most important Hindu festivals and is celebrated with great fervor and devotion by millions of followers across India and other parts of the world.
What should be eaten during Maha Shivratri 2023 fast
One of the main rituals of the festival is fasting, which is observed by many Hindus as a way of purifying their minds and bodies. Some people also abstain from consuming any food or drink throughout the day, while others choose to only eat certain foods, such as fruits, nuts, and dairy products.
During the Hindu festival of Shivratri, many people observe a fast, which involves abstaining from certain foods. Here are some foods that are typically consumed during a Shivratri fast:
- Sabudana (tapioca pearls)
- Kuttu ka atta (buckwheat flour)
- Singhare ka atta (water chestnut flour)
- Aloo Tikki (potato cutlets)
- Fruits (such as bananas and apples)
- Singhare ke pakode (water chestnut fritters)
- Fast foods are made from fruits, nuts, and dairy products.
Note: The specific foods consumed during a Shivratri fast can vary depending on regional and personal preferences.
How to worship Lord Shiva on Maha Shivratri 2023
There are various ways to worship Lord Shiva during the Hindu festival of Maha Shivratri 2023, here are some common practices: Fasting: Many people observe a fast on Shivratri as a form of worship and devotion to Lord Shiva.
Puja (Worship): A special puja or worship ceremony is performed in honor of Lord Shiva. Offerings of milk, honey, fruit, and flowers are made to a lingam (a symbol of Lord Shiva).
Chanting Mantras: Devotees chant the Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra, "Om Tryambakam Yajamahe" and the Shiva Mantra "Om Namah Shivaya" as a form of worship and devotion to Lord Shiva.
Meditation: People engage in meditation to focus their minds and connect with Lord Shiva.
Night-long Vigil: Many devotees keep a night-long vigil, performing puja and chanting mantras throughout the night to honor Lord Shiva.
These are some common practices, but the specific ways in which people worship Lord Shiva during Shivratri can vary depending on regional and personal beliefs and practices.
In Hindu temples, special prayers and offerings are made to Lord Shiva, including the offering of milk, honey, and bel leaves, which are considered auspicious in Hinduism.
Devotees also offer flowers and incense to Lord Shiva and perform "aarti," a ritual in which a lighted lamp is circled around the deity while prayers are being recited.
In addition to the rituals performed in temples, many Hindus also participate in "Shivaratri Jagran," an all-night vigil in which devotees sing devotional songs, chant mantras, and offer prayers to Lord Shiva.
This is believed to bring blessings and purification to the devotees and is considered a way to connect with the divine and achieve spiritual enlightenment.
Another popular aspect of the festival is the "Mahashivratri Mela," a fair that is held in many parts of India, particularly in the northern regions.
During this time, devotees gather to offer prayers, participate in religious activities, and purchase offerings and other items associated with the festival. The fairs are also an opportunity for people to socialize, dance, and celebrate the festival together.
In conclusion, Maha Shivratri 2023 is a significant Hindu festival that holds great importance for millions of devotees around the world. Whether it's through fasting, offering prayers and offerings, or participating in all-night vigils, this festival is a time for Hindus to come together to honor Lord Shiva and connect with the divine.
Whether you are a devotee of Lord Shiva or not, the festival of Maha Shivratri 2023 is a celebration of the power of devotion, the importance of purification, and the beauty of the human spirit.
Shiv Tandav Stotram
The Shiva Tandava Stotram was written by Ravana, the asura King and devotee of Shiva. Get to know how it came into being, the verses (lyrics), and their meaning. test
Shiv Tandav Stotram - Lyrics and Meaning in English
Jatatavigalajjala pravahapavitasthale
Galeavalambya lambitam bhujangatungamalikam
Damad damad damaddama ninadavadamarvayam
Chakara chandtandavam tanotu nah shivah shivam
With his neck consecrated by the flow of water that flows from his hair,
And on his neck a snake, which is hung like a garland,
And the Damaru drum that emits the sound "Damat Damat Damat Damat",
Lord Shiva did the auspicious dance of Tandava. May he give prosperity to all of us.
Jata kata hasambhrama bhramanilimpanirjhari
Vilolavichivalarai virajamanamurdhani
Dhagadhagadhagajjva lalalata pattapavake
Kishora chandrashekhare ratih pratikshanam mama
I have a deep interest in Shiva
Whose head is glorified by the rows of moving waves of the celestial Ganga river,
Which stirs in the deep well of his hair in tangled locks.
Who has a brilliant fire burning on the surface of his forehead,
And who has the crescent moon as a jewel on his head?
Dharadharendrana ndinivilasabandhubandhura
Sphuradigantasantati pramodamanamanase
Krupakatakshadhorani nirudhadurdharapadi
Kvachidigambare manovinodametuvastuni
May my mind seek happiness in Lord Shiva,
In whose mind all the living beings of the glorious universe exist,
Who is the companion of Parvati (daughter of the mountain king),
Who controls unsurpassed adversity with his compassionate gaze, Which is all-pervading
And who wears the Heavens as his raiment.
Jata bhujan gapingala sphuratphanamaniprabha
Kadambakunkuma dravapralipta digvadhumukhe
Madandha sindhu rasphuratvagutariyamedure
Mano vinodamadbhutam bibhartu bhutabhartari
May I find wonderful pleasure in Lord Shiva, who is the advocate of all life,
With his creeping snake with its reddish-brown hood and the shine of its gem on it
Spreading variegated colors on the beautiful faces of the Goddesses of the Directions,
Which is covered by a shimmering shawl made from the skin of a huge, inebriated elephant.
Sahasra lochana prabhritya sheshalekhashekhara
Prasuna dhulidhorani vidhusaranghripithabhuh
Bhujangaraja malaya nibaddhajatajutaka
Shriyai chiraya jayatam chakora bandhushekharah
May Lord Shiva give us prosperity,
Who has the Moon as a crown,
Whose hair is bound by the red snake garland,
Whose footrest is darkened by the flow of dust from flowers
Which fall from the heads of all the gods – Indra, Vishnu, and others.
Lalata chatvarajvaladhanajnjayasphulingabha
nipitapajnchasayakam namannilimpanayakam
Sudha mayukha lekhaya virajamanashekharam
Maha kapali sampade shirojatalamastunah
May we obtain the riches of the Siddhis from the tangled strands of Shiva’s hair,
Who devoured the God of Love with the sparks of the fire that burns on his forehead,
Which is revered by all the heavenly leaders,
Which is beautiful with a crescent moon.
Karala bhala pattikadhagaddhagaddhagajjvala
Ddhanajnjaya hutikruta prachandapajnchasayake
Dharadharendra nandini kuchagrachitrapatraka
Prakalpanaikashilpini trilochane ratirmama
My interest is in Lord Shiva, who has three eyes,
Who offered the powerful God of Love to fire.
The terrible surface of his forehead burns with the sound "Dhagad, Dhagad ..."
He is the only artist expert in tracing decorative lines
on the tips of the breasts of Parvati, the daughter of the mountain king.
Navina megha mandali niruddhadurdharasphurat
Kuhu nishithinitamah prabandhabaddhakandharah
nilimpanirjhari dharastanotu krutti sindhurah
Kalanidhanabandhurah shriyam jagaddhurandharah
May Lord Shiva give us prosperity,
The one who bears the weight of this universe,
Who is enchanting with the moon,
Who has the celestial river Ganga
Whose neck is dark as midnight on a new moon night, covered in layers of clouds.
Praphulla nila pankaja prapajnchakalimchatha
Vdambi kanthakandali raruchi prabaddhakandharam
Smarachchidam purachchhidam bhavachchidam makhachchidam
Gajachchidandhakachidam tamamtakachchidam bhaje
I pray to Lord Shiva, whose neck is bound with the brightness of the temples
hanging with the glory of fully bloomed blue lotus flowers,
Which look like the blackness of the universe.
Who is the slayer of Manmatha, who destroyed the Tripura,
Who destroyed the bonds of worldly life, who destroyed the sacrifice,
Who destroyed the demon Andhaka, who is the destroyer of the elephants,
And who has overwhelmed the God of death, Yama.
Akharvagarvasarvamangala kalakadambamajnjari
Rasapravaha madhuri vijrumbhana madhuvratam
Smarantakam purantakam bhavantakam makhantakam
Gajantakandhakantakam tamantakantakam bhaje
I pray to Lord Siva, who has bees flying all around because of the sweet
Scent of honey coming from the beautiful bouquet of auspicious Kadamba flowers,
Who is the slayer of Manmatha, who destroyed the Tripura,
Who destroyed the bonds of worldly life, who destroyed the sacrifice,
Who destroyed the demon Andhaka, who is the destroyer of the elephants,
And who has overwhelmed the God of death, Yama.
Jayatvadabhravibhrama bhramadbhujangamasafur
Dhigdhigdhi nirgamatkarala bhaal havyavat
Dhimiddhimiddhimidhva nanmrudangatungamangala
Dhvanikramapravartita prachanda tandavah shivah
Shiva, whose dance of Tandava is in tune with the series of loud
sounds of drum making the sound “Dhimid Dhimid”,
Who has fire on his great forehead, the fire that is spreading out because of the
breath of the snake, wandering in whirling motions in the glorious sky.
Drushadvichitratalpayor bhujanga mauktikasrajor
Garishtharatnaloshthayoh suhrudvipakshapakshayoh
Trushnaravindachakshushoh prajamahimahendrayoh
Sama pravartayanmanah kada sadashivam bhaje
When will I be able to worship Lord Sadashiva, the eternally auspicious God,
With equanimous vision towards people or emperors,
Towards a blade of grass and a lotus, towards friends and enemies,
Towards the most precious gem and a lump of dirt,
Toward a snake or a garland and towards the varied forms of the world?
Kada nilimpanirjhari nikujnjakotare vasanh
Vimuktadurmatih sada shirah sthamajnjalim vahanh
Vimuktalolalochano lalamabhalalagnakah
Shiveti mantramuchcharan sada sukhi bhavamyaham
When I can be happy, living in a cave near the celestial river Ganga,
Bringing my hands clasped on my head all the time,
With my impure thoughts washed away, uttering the mantra of Shiva,
Devoted to the God with a glorious forehead and with vibrant eyes?
Imam hi nityameva muktamuttamottamam stavam
Pathansmaran bruvannaro vishuddhimeti santatam
Hare gurau subhaktimashu yati nanyatha gatim
Vimohanam hi dehinam sushankarasya chintanam
Anyone who reads, remembers and recites this stotra as stated here
Is purified forever and obtains devotion in the great Guru Shiva.
For this devotion, there is no other way or refuge.
Just the mere thought of Shiva removes the delusion.
Origin of Shiv Tandav Stotram
Sadhguru: Ravana was a fierce devotee of Shiva and there are many stories about them. A devotee shouldn't become great, but he was a great devotee. He came to Kailash all the way from down south – I want you to just imagine walking all the way – and began to sing Shiva’s praises. He had a drum which he used to set the beat and composed 1008 verses extempore, which is called the Shiva Tandava Stotram.
Shiva was so pleased and enamored to listen to this music. As he sang, slowly, Ravana started climbing Kailash from its Southern Face. When Ravana was almost on top, and with Shiva still engrossed in this music, Parvati saw this man climbing up.
There is space only for two people on top! So Parvati tried to bring Shiva out of his musical rapture. She said, “This man is coming all the way up!” But Shiva was too engrossed in the music and poetry. Then finally, Parvati managed to bring him out of being enthralled, and when Ravana reached the peak, Shiva just pushed him off with his feet. Ravana went sliding down the South Face of Kailash. They say his drum was dragging behind him as he slid down and it left a furrow on the mountain all the way down. If you look at the South Face, you will see a wedge-like scar in the center going straight down.
It is a little inappropriate to distinguish or to discriminate between one face of Kailash and the other, but the South Face is dear to us because Agastya Muni merged into the South Face. It is just a South Indian prejudice that we like the South Face and I think it is the most beautiful face! It is definitely the whitest face because it is very snowy there.
In many ways, it is the most intense face but very few people go to the South Face. It is far less accessible and involves a more difficult route than the other faces, and only certain types of people go there.
Must Read :-
1 टिप्पणियाँ
Nice Post
जवाब देंहटाएं