By:- B.T Team
Image Credit:- Google
Maha Shivratri commemorates the celestial union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, symbolizing the convergence of consciousness and energy.
During the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan), Shiva consumed the deadly poison Halahala to save the universe, turning his throat blue and earning the name Neelkantha.
A dispute between Brahma and Vishnu over supremacy led Shiva to appear as an endless column of fire, the Lingodbhava, symbolizing the infinite nature of divinity.
Staying awake all night during Maha Shivratri, known as Jagaran, signifies overcoming darkness and ignorance in one's life.
In Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, over 200 deities are believed to assemble during the Maha Shivratri fair, making it a significant cultural event.
In Kashmir, Maha Shivratri is celebrated as 'Herath,' derived from 'Hararatri,' meaning 'Night of Hara' (another name for Shiva).
Maha Shivratri is marked by dance festivals called Natyanjali at prominent temples like Chidambaram, celebrating Shiva as the Lord of Dance.