Legend of the Blue Necked One and many more

Maha Shivaratri translates to the ‘the great night of Shiva’, also known as Mahadeva. As the name suggests, Maha Shivaratri is dedicated to paying homage to Lord Shiva, Hindu God of destruction and regeneration, considered the supreme God by Hindu devotees. Celebrated on the 13th night / 14th day of the Maagha month of the Hindu calendar Maha Shivaratri celebrates several lore on Shiva, that demonstrates his mercy and strength.

Lord Shiva is often depicted with a third eye on his forehead, a serpent around his neck, a crescent moon adorning his head and the river Ganga flowing from his matted tresses. His weapon is known as the Trishula and his instrument the Damaru. But he is also portrayed in other forms. For example, as an omniscient Yogi, and as part of a family with wife Parvati and sons Ganesha and Kartikeya. But the highest form of Shiva is thought to be limitless, transcendent, unchanging and formless.

Among the many lore behind Maha Shivaratri, the most interesting is perhaps that it celebrates Lord Shiva’s second marriage to Parvati. His divine consort Sati or Shakti self-immolates in a Yagna fire, in protest of her father humiliating her on her marriage. Thereafter Lord Shiva lived the life of an ascetic in the Himalayas. Shakti, later reborn in the family of Lord Himalaya as Parvati strove to win back Lord Shiva and finally succeeded. Their marriage was solemnized the day before Amavasya in the month of Phalgun, and this is what is commemorated on Maha Shivaratri.

At dawn, after purification by bathing, devotees donning white garments throng to Shiva Temples, carrying pots of water to cleanse the aniconic form of Shiva. The Lingam is often accompanied by a pillar placed on a receptacle that represents female creative energy. Together the pair represents the union of organs and the totality of creation. Prayers to Vishnu and Shiva ensues. The Shiva Linga is bathed in water, milk and honey to which woodapple or bhel leaves are added, that signify purification of the soul. Vermillion paste is applied on the Linga, which symbolizes virtue. Bells are tolled amidst chants of ‘Om Namah Shivaya’, the sacred mantra of Shiva. A special pooja is held at homes.

All rituals pertaining to the celebration is laden with meaning. For example, offering of fruits symbolize longevity and gratification of desires. It is believed that burning of incense yields wealth. Lighting of the lamp signifies attainment of knowledge and the use of betel leaves represents satisfaction with worldly pleasures. Devotees fast all day long while chanting the Panchakshara mantra dedicated to Shiva, followed by a night-long vigil. On Shivaratri day, devotees take a second bath in the evening before conducting Shiva Pooja or visiting the temple. Shiva Pooja is conducted during the night and devotees break fast the next day, after another bath. The ceremonies surrounding Shivaratri are particularly popular among Hindu women, especially those wishing to become pregnant.

It is believed that Maha Shivaratri is the night Shiva performed the Tandava Nritya, or the dance of primordial creation, preservation and destruction. There is also interesting lore behind this all-night vigil. According to Hindu mythology, a pot of extremely toxic poison, some believe is figurative for negativity, emerged from the depths of the ocean, threatening to wipe out all life. Lord Shiva, the only one capable of withstanding the poison, in his compassion, drank the poison, but retained it in his throat without swallowing. He remained so for the duration of the night, other deities keeping vigil, while trying to keep him awake with dance and music. Creation was saved, but the extreme toxicity of the poison turned Lord Shiva’s neck blue, earning him the name Neelakantha (the blue-necked one). It is in commemoration of this act of sacrifice and compassion Hindus of today observe the all-night vigil.

The Lingam is considered one of the most powerful emblems in Hinduism. And according to the legend of Shiva Linga or Lingodbhavamurthy, Vishnu and Brahma were arguing over which among the three was the most powerful. On hearing this, Shiva manifested in the form of a huge, flaming Lingam. They came to the mutual agreement that whoever was first to find the end of the blazing column of fire would be considered the greatest of the Hindu gods. Vishnu and Brahma engaged in a vain search for the Aadi (beginning) and Antha (end) of Lord Shiva’s power. Disguised as a swan and a boar, they extended their search for thousands of miles in every direction, but were unable to find a limit to the power of the Lingam. Consequently, they were forced to acknowledge Lord Shiva as the supreme lord.