A day well spent

This year, Maha Shivratri will be celebrated on February 13, and will continue till 14^th in India.

There are several legends around Maha Shivratri. According to a legend, Maha Shivaratri was the day when Shiva drank poisonous negativity to protect the world. Another legend says that it is the night when Shiva performs the heavenly dance of creation, preservation and destruction, while some believe that this is the night when Shiva and Parvati got married.

Fasting is an important activity on Mahashivratri day. All through India, people fast on the day of Mahashivratri. Unlike other Hindu festivals, where food is eaten after performing the puja of the deity, on Shivaratri the fast continues all through the day and night.

This is my first time fasting for this auspicious day, hope it went well. 

 For most marriageable maidens in the state, Saawan is the season to pray for “man-chaha var” (husband of choice). Only prayer though won’t do. The girls are also fasting  to push their wishlist to Lord Shiva.

According to Hindu belief, the month of Saawan,, is auspicious for unmarried girls and if they observe somwari vrath (fast), they are blessed with good husbands.

Not surprisingly, temples in the capital were packed with young girls today jostling with each other for space and time to perform the rituals and pour holy water on Lord Shiva’s idol

After completing every step carefully, I finally drank water and ate the sweet given to me by our panditji, damn it hit me hard. A whole day without food and water; whoaaa

Valentines day, and Shiv ratri both on same day, wow  😉

shivl ing

Lord Shiva

The mandir, main ceremonial ground

shiv lings