Maha Shivaratri
Maha Shivaratri -- the Great Night of Shiva -- is among the most sacred nights in the Hindu calendar. Observed on the fourteenth night of the dark fortnight of Phalguna, it is a night of vigil, fasting, prayer, and meditative absorption in the presence of the Supreme Reality as Shiva -- the eternal, the auspicious, the formless ground of all being.
Significance
Multiple significances are associated with Maha Shivaratri. The most common account narrates it as the night of Shiva and Parvati's cosmic wedding -- their divine union representing the marriage of consciousness (Shiva) and energy (Shakti) at the heart of creation. Another account holds that on this night Shiva performed the Tandava -- his cosmic dance -- at the beginning of creation and dissolution cycles. Yet another tradition holds that the Shivalinga first manifested on this night as a pillar of infinite light stretching from earth to heaven. Esoterically, this is the night when the natural position of the earth's axis creates conditions particularly favorable for the upward movement of spiritual energy in the spine.
Rituals & Observances
Maha Shivaratri observances include: strict fasting throughout the day and night; all-night vigil, as wakefulness on this night represents spiritual alertness; four prahar pujas performed at specific intervals through the night, each with full worship of the Shivalinga -- bathing it with milk, curd, honey, rose water, and sandalwood paste, and offering bilva (bael) leaves which are said to be Shiva's most beloved; recitation of the Shiva Mahapurana; chanting of Shiva stotra, particularly the Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra and Om Namah Shivaya; and visits to Shiva temples, which remain open throughout the night.
Regional Variations
In Varanasi (Kashi): the holiest Shivaratri celebration; Kashi Vishwanath temple witnesses lakhs of pilgrims; processions and all-night puja; the entire city vibrates with Shiva's presence. In Mandi (Himachal Pradesh): the Mandi Shivratri fair, where images of local deities are brought to pay homage to Shiva -- one of the largest such gatherings in India. At Jyotirlinga shrines: the twelve Jyotirlinga temples including Somnath, Kedarnath, and Mahakaleswar see their peak pilgrimage on this night. In Kashmir: the Shaiva tradition celebrates Herath (their name for Shivaratri) with unique rituals. Naga sadhus emerge from their ashrams to attend celebrations at major temples.
Region: pan-india