According to mythology, two types of stories are told about Mahashivratri, one of which is told in the Bhagavat Purana as well as in Ramcharit Manas. According to one story, Lord Shiva and Devi Parvati were married on the day of Mahashivratri, according to which Maha Shivratri is celebrated, and according to the other story, Lord Shiva appeared on the day of Maha Shivratri, so according to that, Lord Shiva was born on the day of Maha Shivratri.
Story of Mahashivratri
According to religious scriptures, it is said that one day Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma had a dispute and both were saying to each other that I am bigger than you. Both were arguing about this when suddenly a Linga-like Shivling appeared in the middle. Seeing this, both get confused as to what is this, then Mahadev says that I am the beginning and I am the end.
When Lord Vishnu and Brahma heard this, they could not believe it. After that, both of them started going in different directions to find this Linga. One looked up and then down but neither of them could find the beginning nor the end. In this way, Lord Shiva appeared on that day and thus the day of Maha Shivratri is celebrated as Mahadev’s birthday.
According to the tradition and common practice followed for ages, everyone considers the day of Maha Shivratri as the marriage of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, but according to Lord Purana, the marriage of Lord Shiva and Parvati takes place on the fifth Thursday of the Shukla Paksha of the month of Vaishakh.
The story behind the Shivling on the Day of Mahashivratri
It is believed that from the day Lord Shiva appeared in the Shivling, Lord Shiva resides in the Shivling. On the day of Shivratri, people offer water and worship the Shivling in all the temples of the country and the world. It is believed that on the day of Maha Shivratri, Lord Shiva resides in every Shivling in the world. Lord Shiva comes into every Shivling during the night. Accordingly, on Maha Shivratri, Bhajan Kirtan takes place in all the temples and people stay awake at night so that they can get the blessings of Shiva.
What should we do on the day of Mahashivratri?
On the day of Maha Shivratri, one should wake up early in the morning, take a bath, and first of all go to the temple of Lord Shiva. After going to the temple, one should offer water to the Shivling and worship Lord Shiva. After worshipping with flowers, incense, dhatura, etc. one should sit in the temple for some time and offer prayers to the Lord.
While worshiping Lord Shiva, one should chant the Om Namah Shivaya mantra and also the Maha Mrityunjaya mantra. If possible, one should also fast on the day of Mahashivratri, in which one should consume Satvik food so that both the mind and the body remain light and keep chanting mantras throughout the day.
It is believed that divine power has an effect on Maha Shivratri, so on this day, stay awake at night and worship Lord Shiva. Apart from this, you can also participate in Bhajan Kirtan, which happens in nearby temples, and get the blessings of Lord Shiva. Worshiping Lord Shiva on the night of Mahashivratri is a different kind of pleasure than getting lost in devotion to him. Calm your mind and brain worship Shiva and receive his blessings.
Conclusion-
Hope you got the right information about Maha Shivratri in this article. If you liked this article, then share it with your Lord Shiva devotee friends. May Mahadev fulfill all your wishes. Har Har Mahadev!