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Kerala Maha Shiva Ratri|Shiva Ratri in Kerala
Maha Shiva Ratri is a Hindu religious festival, quite unlike Thiruvonam, which is a festival for all. Falling in the Malayalam month of Kumbham, sometime around February-March each year, Maha Shiva Ratri or the Night of Lord Shiva, commemorates the day on which the Father of the Gods saved the world by drinking the deadly Kaalakoodum poison.
Fasting and worship marks the day for the worship of Shiva. Devotees visit the numerous Shiva Temples - both big and small - around the state and smear their bodies with holy ash while chanting prayers to the Lord. Shiva Ratri in Kerala, Maha Shiva Ratri in Kerala,Maha Shiva Ratri Festivals in Kerala,The Night of Lord Shiva,Kerala Maha Shiva Ratri Festivals The prayers go on all through the night and early next morning, after a purifying bath, prayers are offered once again to Shiva.
The most famous of the Maha Shiva Ratri celebrations are held in Aluva, on the banks of the Periyar River.
An idol of the Lord is created on the sandy bank of the river for the thousands of pilgrims, who visit it to offer their prayers. People from all walks of life> assemble for the great fair that is held. An exhibition and sale of goods is on during the celebrations. Cultural shows and dances are staged through the night to keep the pilgrims awake. Shiva Ratri in Kerala, Maha Shiva Ratri in Kerala,Maha Shiva Ratri Festivals in Kerala,The Night of Lord Shiva,Kerala Maha Shiva Ratri Festivals Many devotees offer sacrifices to their ancestors in the morning after the holy night.
“The Lord is my light, and my salvation; whom shall I fear?” We shall have none to fear if we submit ourselves to the Great Lord Shiva, who is adored during the Shivratri. Maha Shivratri is an auspicious festival that is celebrated by the Indians in diverse form and mode; but the aim of this Puja is the same.
Shiva Ratri Festival involves worshipping of Lord Shiva who is supposed to be the destroyer, among the Tridev called Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva;
the creator, preserver and the destroyer. Shiva Ratri in Kerala, Maha Shiva Ratri in Kerala,Maha Shiva Ratri Festivals in Kerala,The Night of Lord Shiva,Kerala Maha Shiva Ratri Festivals There are many legends associated with Shivratri. But it is evident that only after annihilation a magnificent achievement is made. So, Lord Shiva is revered.
Once a hunter who could not eat for the whole day sat in a Bael Tree considered as the most sacred tree and he was tearing off Bael Leaves drenched with rain water and he could not see that the Shiva Linga was there underneath the tree and so, Lord Shiva was pleased with him. At that instant there was a doe who came near and the hunter was about to shoot him, but then the doe pleaded that she wants to see her children at home for the last time in her life, and that the hunter must consider her case with sympathy.
The hunter after getting the blessings of Lord Shiva had a purified heart and he allowed her to leave. But at the morning when she came back, the hunter left her and this made the Lord so pleased with the Hunter that he took the hunter along with the doe to heaven and still now one can see the star that reminds us of the good fate of the hunter.
Southindiaholidaytours.com, That night was a fourteenth night of the month of Falguna, when it is said that the Lord Shiva comes down to bless his cohorts. He is supposed to relieve them of all their miseries and provide them health, wealth and happiness. Shivratri is a nightlong festival and it is believed that since the Lord Shiva has in his mass of entangled hair, the crescent Moon, he is the originator of the Moon. It is said that in the Bael Leaves Goddess Laxmi resides and the fiesta is always accompanied with bhang, a type of wine.
Description of the Mahashivratri Festival:
In the Mahashivratri Festival one offers Bael Leaves, Milk, Honey, Curd, Ghee and Sugar to the Lord. The latter five things constitute the Panchamrita which is the five immortal foods. It is said that the aficionados fast for the entire night and then offer the Lord with such offering.
Lord Shiva is said to endow the married couple with happiness and wealth while he ensures a nice and suitable husband for the unmarried women. They circumvent the Shiva Linga and then offer Bael Leaves and milk over the Shiva Linga. The bells are rung and the aficionados cry out Jai Shiva Shankara.
Southindiaholidaytours.com, During the entire period of worship the devotees chant the hymn Om Namah Shivaya. After the whole day of fasting the devotees ask for mercy from the Lord and Lord Shiva grants them whatever they ask for. So, he is regarded as the most benevolent Lord.
Time for the celebration of the Maha Shivratiri :
The Maha Shivratri Festival is usually celebrated in the month of March and on the 14th Day of the month of Falguna. It is generally on a New Moon Night also known as Amavasya, when the God comes to sanctify the evils of the environments.
| Kerala Fairs & Festivals | |
| Onam | Thiruvonam |
| Aranmula Boat Race | Maha Shiv Ratri |
| Arthunkal Perunnal | Easter |
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