Maha Shivaratri festival, Tamil Nadu

As the name suggests, this festival is dedicated to Lord Shiva. There is a belief that if we sacrifice our sleep by being awake and meditating towards Lord Shiva on this night, it will be equal to spending 1000 years in penance towards Lord Shiva. Rituals, music, dance, and fun add colour to this night. Mostly, this fete is celebrated between February and March every year.

The specialty of the festival

In Tamil Nadu, there is a custom that, during Maha Shivaratri, everyone should visit their native temple or family deity and spend the whole night there chanting the mantras of God. Especially those who read hymns and songs dedicated to Lord Shiva, such as Thiruchitrambala and the Shiva Purana. It is a common belief among the people that if they spend the Maha Shivarathiri singing the songs of Lord Shiva, they are purified from all their past sins and further blessed by God eternally.

On Maha Shivaratri, all Shiva temples are flocked with thousands of devotees. Pious devotees fast without food throughout the day and night. On this night, they perform rurdrabhishek, Anna abishek, Vibhuthi abishek, and more to the Shiva Lingam. Vilva leaves are also offered with much devotion by chanting the mantra "Om Namah Shivaya" throughout the night.

Conclusion

Maha Shivaratri represents the triumph of light over ignorance and evil in life. It promotes reflection, cleansing, and adoration for Lord Shiva, the vanquisher of evil and giver of benefits. Devotees who take part in its observances and ceremonies aim to achieve wisdom, inner serenity, and freedom from material attachments. Maha Shivaratri emphasizes the strength of faith and the victory of good over evil by serving as a reminder of the never-ending cycle of life, death, and rebirth.

FAQs about Maha Shivaratri in Tamil Nadu

1.What is Maha Shivaratri?

Maha Shivaratri is a Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Shiva, celebrated with rituals, fasting, and night-long vigils. It usually falls between February and March.

2.How is Maha Shivaratri celebrated in Tamil Nadu?

In Tamil Nadu, devotees visit their native temples or family deities, perform various abhishekams (ritual baths) on Shiva Lingam, chant mantras, and stay awake all night singing hymns and songs dedicated to Lord Shiva.

3.Why do devotees stay awake all night on Maha Shivaratri?

It is believed that staying awake and meditating on Lord Shiva during Maha Shivaratri is equivalent to performing penance for 1,000 years, leading to spiritual purification and divine blessings.

4.What is the significance of Maha Shivaratri?

Maha Shivaratri symbolizes the triumph of light over ignorance and evil, promoting reflection, cleansing, and devotion to Lord Shiva. It highlights the cycle of life, death, and rebirth, and the victory of good over evil.

5.What are some traditional customs followed during Maha Shivaratri in Tamil Nadu?

Traditional customs include visiting family temples, chanting sacred texts like Thiruchitrambalam and Shiva Purana, and performing various abhishekams on the Shiva Lingam.

6.What are Vilva leaves, and why are they significant on Maha Shivaratri?

Vilva leaves are sacred leaves offered to Lord Shiva during Maha Shivaratri. They are believed to be one of Shiva's favorites and are used in worship to seek his blessings.