2402:3A80:16E4:C6D1:600F:6051:979C:B28: Bhagwan shiv is like praan for us. So instead of calling him shiva i have added lord before the almighty's name

2021-08-09T05:21:10Z

Bhagwan shiv is like praan for us. So instead of calling him shiva i have added lord before the almighty's name

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{{Short description|Hindu festival dedicated to the god Shiva}}
{{EngvarB|date=November 2019}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2021}}
{{Infobox holiday
|holiday_name = '''Maha Shivaratri'''
|type = Hindu
|image = 02 Mahashivratree festival.JPG
|caption = Meditating Shiva statue on Maha-Shivratri
|observances = [[Fasting]], [[yoga]], [[Jagran|jagran]] (all night vigil), [[Lingam]] [[Puja (Hinduism)|puja]]<ref name="Melton2011p541"/>
|observedby = [[Hindus]]
|longtype = Religious
|date2022 = 1 March/28 February (depending on location)<ref>https://www.drikpanchang.com/calendars/hindu/hinducalendar.html?geoname-id=1275339&year=2022</ref>
|date2021 = 11 March<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.drikpanchang.com/festivals/maha-shivaratri/maha-shivaratri-date-time.html|title=2021 Maha Shivaratri | Shivratri Date and Time for New Delhi, NCT, India|first=Adarsh Mobile Applications|last=LLP|website=Drikpanchang}}</ref>
|significance = self study, Night of marriage between Shiva and Parvati, yoga<ref name="Melton2011p541">{{cite book|first=J. Gordon|last=Melton|title=Religious Celebrations: An Encyclopedia of Holidays, Festivals, Solemn Observances, and Spiritual Commemorations|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=lD_2J7W_2hQC|year=2011|publisher=ABC-CLIO|isbn=978-1-59884-206-7|pages=541–542}}</ref>
|frequency = Annual
}}
{{Saivism}}
'''Maha Shivaratri''' ([[IAST]]: Mahāśivarātri) is a [[Hindu festival]] celebrated annually in honour of the god [[Shiva]]. The name also refers to the night when Lord Shiva performs the [[Tandava|heavenly dance]].<ref name= Dhoraisingam35/><ref name="auto1">{{cite book|author1=Om Prakash Juneja|author2=Chandra Mohan|title=Ambivalence: Studies in Canadian Literature |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=39FHAAAAYAAJ |year=1990|publisher=Allied|isbn=978-81-7023-109-7|pages=156–157}}</ref> There is a ''Shivaratri'' in every luni-solar month of the [[Hindu calendar]], on the month's 13th night/14th day, but once a year in late winter (February/March, or [[Phalguna]] as per North Indian Hindu calendar while the same day is considered to fall in Maagha Maas Krishna Paksha as per South Indian Hindu calendar) and before the arrival of Summer, marks Maha Shivaratri which means "the Great Night of Shiva".<ref name=dalal137/><ref name="JonesRyan2006p269"/>

It is a major festival in [[Hinduism]], and this festival is solemn and marks a remembrance of "overcoming darkness and ignorance" in life and the world. It is observed by remembering Lord Shiva and chanting prayers, [[vrata|fasting]], and meditating on ethics and virtues such as honesty, non-injury to others, charity, forgiveness, and the discovery of Lord Shiva.<ref name="JonesRyan2006p269"/> The ardent devotees keep awake all night. Others visit one of the Shiva temples or go on pilgrimage to [[Jyotirlingam]]s. The festival originated in circa the [[5th century|5th century CE]].<ref name="JonesRyan2006p269">{{cite book|author1=Constance Jones|author2=James D. Ryan|title=Encyclopedia of Hinduism|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=OgMmceadQ3gC&pg=PA269|year=2006|publisher=Infobase Publishing|isbn=978-0-8160-7564-5|page=269}}</ref> According to the [[Tamil calendar|South Indian calendar]], Maha Shivaratri is observed on Chaturdashi [[Tithi]] during Krishna [[Paksha]] in the month of [[Magha (month)|Magha]], and in other parts of India, on 13/14 night of Krishna Paksha in Phalguna of [[Hindu calendar]], the [[Gregorian calendar|Gregorian]] date however remaining the same.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.financialexpress.com/lifestyle/maha-shivratri-2018-how-to-worship-lord-shiva-puja-vidhi-fasting-all-you-need-to-know-about-mahashivratri/1063152/|title=Maha Shivratri 2018: How To Worship Lord Shiva (Puja Vidhi), Fasting, All You Need To Know About Mahashivratri|date=12 February 2018|access-date=14 October 2020}}</ref>

In [[Kashmir Shaivism]], the festival is called '''Har-ratri''' or phonetically simpler '''Haerath''' or '''Herath''' by Shiva devotees of the Kashmir region.<ref name=brunn402>{{cite book|first=Stanley D. | last=Brunn|title=The Changing World Religion Map: Sacred Places, Identities, Practices and Politics|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=CGh-BgAAQBAJ&pg=PA403| year= 2015|publisher= Springer|isbn= 978-94-017-9376-6|pages= 402–403}}</ref><ref name=maitra125>{{cite book|first=Asim | last=Maitra|title=Religious Life of the Brahman: A Case Study of Maithil Brahmans|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=f3LXAAAAMAAJ|year= 1986|publisher= Munshilal|isbn= 978-81-210-0171-7|page= 125}}</ref>

==Description==
{{Quote box
|quote = '''A festival of contemplation'''
<poem>
During the Vigil Night of Shiva, Mahashivaratri,
we are brought to the moment of interval
between destruction and regeneration;
it symbolizes the night
when we must contemplate on that which
watches the growth out of the decay.
During Mahashivaratri we have to be alone
with our sword, the Shiva out of us.
We have to look behind and before,
to see what evil needs eradicating from our heart,
what growth of virtue we need to encourage.
Shiva is not only outside of us but within us.
To unite ourselves with the One Self
is to recognize the Shiva in us.
</poem>
|source = —''The Theosophical Movement, Volume 72''<ref>{{cite journal|title=Shiva|journal=The Theosophical Movement|volume=72|number = 4 |url= http://www.ultindia.org/tm_magazine/7204shiva.html |year=2002 |orig-year=February 1962 |type=reprint |publisher=TEOS, Theosophy Company, Mumbai|page=137}}</ref>
|bgcolor=#FFE0BB
|align = right
}}
Maha Shivaratri is an annual festival dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva, and is particularly important in the [[Shaivism]] tradition of [[Hinduism]]. Unlike most Hindu festivals which are celebrated during the day, the Maha Shivaratri is celebrated at night. Furthermore, unlike most Hindu festivals which include expression of cultural revelry, the Maha Shivaratri is a solemn event notable for its introspective focus, fasting, [[meditation]] on Shiva, self study, social harmony and an all night vigil at Shiva temples.<ref name="JonesRyan2006p269"/>

The celebration includes maintaining a "[[Jagran|jaagaran]]", an all-night vigil and prayers, because Shaiva Hindus mark this night as "overcoming darkness and ignorance" in one's life and the world through [[Shiva]]. Offerings of fruits, leaves, sweets and milk to Shiva are made, some perform all-day fasting with vedic or tantric worship of Shiva, and some perform meditative [[Yoga]].<ref>[http://www.odisha.gov.in/portal/LIWPL/event_archive/Events_Archives/150MAHA_SHIVA_RATRI.pdf Mahashivaratri] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140327171257/http://www.odisha.gov.in/portal/LIWPL/event_archive/Events_Archives/150MAHA_SHIVA_RATRI.pdf |date=27 March 2014 }}, Government of Orissa; [http://publicholidays.in/maha-shivaratri/ Maha Shivaratri], Public Holidays</ref> In Shiva temples, "[[Om Namah Shivaya]]", the sacred [[mantra]] of Shiva, is chanted through the day.<ref>{{Cite news|title=This Mahashivratri, here are five Shiva mantras that will change your life for the better|url=https://www.timesnownews.com/the-buzz/article/mahashivratri-2018-shiva-maha-shivratri-chaturdashi-shiva-god-parvati-hinduism-shankar-rudra-god-five-shiva-mantras-that-will-change-your-life/197820|access-date=10 March 2021|work=Times Now|language=en|date=12 February 2018}}</ref> Devotees praise Shiva through the recitation of [[Shiv Chalisa]].<ref>{{Cite news|date=21 February 2020|title=Mahashivratri 2020: Recite Shiva Chalisa on this auspicious day to impress Lord Shiva and gain wealth and success|url=https://english.jagran.com/lifestyle/mahashivratri-2020-recite-shiva-chalisa-on-this-auspicious-day-to-impress-lord-shiva-and-gain-wealth-and-success-10009068|access-date=10 March 2021|work=Jagran English}}</ref>

Maha Shivaratri is celebrated over three or ten days based on the Hindu luni-solar calendar.<ref name="dalal137" /> Every lunar month, there is a Shivaratri (12 per year). The main festival is called Maha Shivaratri, or great Shivaratri, which is held on 13th night (waning moon) and 14th day of the month [[Phalguna]]. In the [[Gregorian calendar]], the day falls in either February or March.<ref name="dalal137">{{cite book|first=Roshen | last=Dalal|title=Hinduism: An Alphabetical Guide|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=DH0vmD8ghdMC |year=2010|publisher=Penguin Books |isbn=978-0-14-341421-6|pages=137, 186 }}</ref>

==History and significance==
[[File:Flickr - dalbera - Shiva Natarâdja, Seigneur de la Danse (musée Guimet).jpg|thumb|left|upright=0.6|Many legends explain the significance of Maha Shivaratri, one being it is the night of [[Nataraja|Shiva's dance]].]]
[[File:Mahashivratri festival , Maharashtra.jpg|thumb|left|upright=0.6|Maha Shivratri in [[Maharashtra]]]]
The Maha Shivaratri is mentioned in several [[Puranas]], particularly the ''[[Skanda Purana]]'', ''[[Linga Purana]]'' and ''[[Padma Purana]]''. These medieval era Shaiva texts present different versions associated with this festival, & mention fasting, reverence for icons of [[Shiva]] such as the ''Lingam''.<ref name="JonesRyan2006p269"/>

Different legends describe the significance of Maha Shivaratri. According to one legend in the Shaivism tradition, this is the night when Shiva performs the heavenly dance of creation, preservation and destruction.<ref name= Dhoraisingam35/><ref name="auto1"/> The chanting of hymns, the reading of Shiva scriptures and the chorus of devotees joins this cosmic dance and remembers Shiva's presence everywhere. According to another legend, this is the night when Shiva and Parvati got married.<ref name= Dhoraisingam35/><ref>{{cite book|first=Steven | last=Leuthold|title=Cross-Cultural Issues in Art: Frames for Understanding |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=z9GsAgAAQBAJ&pg=PA142 |year=2010|publisher=Routledge|isbn=978-1-136-85455-2|pages=142–143}}</ref> A different legend states that the offering to Shiva icons such as the linga is an annual occasion to get over past sins if any, to restart on a virtuous path and thereby reach [[Mount Kailasha]] and liberation.<ref name= Dhoraisingam35>{{cite book|first=Samuel S. | last=Dhoraisingam|title=Peranakan Indians of Singapore and Melaka |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=QHwcAgAAQBAJ&pg=PA35| year= 2006|publisher =Institute of Southeast Asian Studies|isbn= 978-981-230-346-2|page=35}}</ref>

The significance of dance tradition to this festival has historical roots. The Maha Shivaratri has served as a historic confluence of artists for annual dance festivals at major Hindu temples such as at [[Konark Sun Temple|Konark]], [[Khajuraho Group of Monuments|Khajuraho]], [[Pattadakal]], [[Sun Temple, Modhera|Modhera]] and [[Thillai Nataraja Temple, Chidambaram|Chidambaram]].<ref>{{cite book|first=Tracy | last=Pintchman|title=Women's Lives, Women's Rituals in the Hindu Tradition|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=7lOc8ZoLV0wC&pg=PA194|year=2007|publisher=[[Oxford University Press]]|isbn=978-0-19-803934-1|pages=194–195}}</ref> This event is called ''Natyanjali'', literally "worship through dance", at the Chidambaram temple which is famous for its sculpture depicting all dance mudras in the ancient Hindu text of performance arts called ''[[Natya Shastra]]''.<ref>{{cite book|first=Tracy | last=Pintchman|title=Women's Lives, Women's Rituals in the Hindu Tradition|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=7lOc8ZoLV0wC&pg=PA194|year=2007|publisher=Oxford University Press|isbn=978-0-19-803934-1|pages=194–196}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|first=Brenda | last=Pugh McCutchen |title=Teaching Dance as Art in Education |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=C0yjXGJ3EEoC |year=2006|publisher=Human Kinetics|isbn=978-0-7360-5188-0 |pages=450 }}</ref> Similarly, at Khajuraho Shiva temples, a major fair and dance festival on Maha Shivaratri, involving Shaiva pilgrims camped over miles around the temple complex, was documented by Alexander Cunningham in 1864.<ref>{{cite book|author= Shobita Punja|title= Khajuraho: the first thousand years|url= https://books.google.com/books?id=CwfWAAAAMAAJ|year= 1999|publisher= Penguin Books|pages= 71–74|isbn= 9780670891900}}</ref>

==India==
{{See also|Mandi Shivaratri Fair}}{{multiple image
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| image1 = Prabha 09.jpg
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| image2 = Kotappakonda.jpg
| caption2 =
| image3 =
| width3 = Lighting the holy big lamp on top of the annamalai hill with oil and camphor
| footer = Mahasivaratri is observed at night, usually in lighted temples or specially prepared ''prabha'' (above).
}}
Maha Shivaratri is celebrated in [[Tamil Nadu]] with great pomp and fanfare in the [[Arunachalesvara Temple|Annamalaiyar]] temple located in [[Tiruvannamalai]] district. The special process of worship on this day is 'Girivalam'/Giri Pradakshina, a 14-kilometer bare foot walk around Lord Shiva's temple on top of the hill. A huge lamp of oil and [[camphor]] is lit on the hilltop at sunset - not to be confused with [[Karthigai Deepam]].{{citation needed|date=February 2020}}

The major [[Jyotirlinga]] Shiva temples of India, such as in [[Varanasi]] and Somanatha, are particularly frequented on Maha Shivaratri. They serve also as sites for fairs and special events.<ref>{{cite book|first=Diana L. | last=Eck|title=Banras, City of Light|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=lkkqAAAAYAAJ |year=1982|publisher=Knopf|pages=113, 256, 276| isbn=9780394519715}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bhaktibharat.com/en/festival/shivaratri|title=🔱Shivaratri - Shivaratri Dates, Schedule and Timing 2020 | Next Shivaratri festival on 15 September 2020|website=BhaktiBharat.com|access-date=4 September 2020}}</ref>

In [[Andhra Pradesh]] and [[Telangana]], Shivratri yatras are held at Mallayya gutta near Kambhalapalle, Gundlakamma Kona near [[Railway Koduru]], [[Penchalakona]], [[Bhairavakona]], [[Umamaheshwaram|Uma Maheswaram]] amongst others. Special pujas are held at Pancharamas - Amararamam of [[Amaravati]], Somaramam of [[Bhimavaram]], [[Draksharamam]], Kumararama of [[Samarlakota]] and Ksheerarama of Palakollu. The days immediately after Shivratri are celebrated as Brahmotsavaalu at [[Srisailam]], one of 12 Jyotirlinga sites. Mahashivaratri utsavalu are held at the Rudreshwara Swamy's 1000 pillar temple in [[Warangal]]. Devotees throng for the special poojas at [[Srikalahasti]], [[Mahanandi]], [[Yaganti temple|Yaganti]], [[Antarvedi]], [[Kattamanchi]], [[Pattiseema]], [[Bhairavakona]], [[Hanamkonda]], [[Keesaragutta Temple|Keesaragutta]], [[Vemulawada, Rajanna Sircilla district|Vemulawada]], [[Panagal, Nalgonda district|Panagal]], [[Kulpakji|Kolanupaka]] amongst others.

The Mandi fair is in the town of [[Mandi, Himachal Pradesh|Mandi]] is particularly famous as a venue for Maha Shivaratri celebrations. It transforms the town as devotees pour in. It is believed that all gods and goddesses of the area, said to number more than 200, assemble here on the day of Maha Shivaratri. Mandi, located on the banks of [[Beas River|Beas]], is popularly known as the "Cathedral of Temples" and one of the oldest towns of Himachal Pradesh, with about 81 temples of different Gods and Goddesses on its periphery.<ref name="mandi">{{cite web|title=International Shivaratri fair in Mandi|url=http://himachaltourism.gov.in/post/Mandi.aspx|publisher=Himachal tourism|access-date=8 February 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100414002705/http://himachaltourism.gov.in/post/Mandi.aspx|archive-date=14 April 2010}}</ref><ref name="shiv">{{Cite web|url=http://mandishivratri.com/about-mandi.html|title=The International Festival|access-date=7 February 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090401052653/http://mandishivratri.com/about-mandi.html|archive-date=1 April 2009}}</ref><ref name="heaven">{{Cite web|url=http://matabhimakali.com/mandi.html|title=Mandi – The Seventh Heaven|access-date=7 February 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110410001057/http://matabhimakali.com/mandi.html|archive-date=10 April 2011}}</ref>

In [[Kashmir Shaivism]], Maha Shivaratri is celebrated by the [[Hindus]] of [[Kashmir]] and is called, "Herath" in Kashmiri, a word derived from the Sanskrit word "Hararatri" the "Night of Hara" (another name of Shiva). [[Shivaratri]], regarded as the most important festival of the community, for instance, is celebrated by them on trayodashi or the thirteenth of the dark half of the month of Phalguna (February–March) and not on chaturdashi or the fourteenth as in the rest of the country. The reason for it is that this long drawn festival that is celebrated for one full fortnight as an elaborate ritual is associated with the appearance of [[Bhairavi|Bhairava]] ([[Shiva]]) as a jwala-linga or a linga of flame. It has been described as Bhairavotsava in Tantric texts as on this occasion Bhairava and [[Bhairavi]], His Shakti or cosmic energy, are propitiated through Tantric worship.{{citation needed|date=February 2020}}

According to the legend associated with the origin of the worship, the linga appeared at pradoshakala or the dusk of early night as a blazing column of fire and dazzled Vatuka Bhairava and Rama (or Ramana) Bhairava, Mahadevi's mind-born sons, who approached it to discover its beginning or end but miserably failed. Exasperated and terrified they began to sing its praises and went to Mahadevi, who herself merged with the awe-inspiring jwala-linga. The Goddess blessed both Vatuka and Ramana that they would be worshipped by human beings and would receive their share of sacrificial offerings on that day and those who would worship them would have all their wishes fulfilled. As Vatuka Bhairava emerged from a pitcher full of water after Mahadevi cast a glance into it, fully armed with all his weapons (and so did Rama), he is represented by a pitcher full of water in which walnuts are kept for soaking and worshipped along with Shiva, Parvati, Kumara, Ganesha, their ganas or attendant deities, yoginis and kshetrapalas (guardians of the quarters) – all represented by clay images. The soaked walnuts are later distributed as naivedya. The ceremony is called 'vatuk barun' in Kashmiri, which means filling the pitcher of water representing the Vatuka Bhairava with walnuts and worshipping it.{{citation needed|date=February 2020}}

[[Central India]] has a large number of Shaiva followers. The [[Mahakaleshwar Temple]], [[Ujjain]] is one of the most venerated shrines consecrated to Shiva, where a large congregation of devotees gathers to offer prayers on the day of Maha Shivaratri. Tilwara Ghat in the city of [[Jabalpur]] and the Math Temple in the village of [[Jeonara]], [[Seoni]] are two other places where the festival is celebrated with much religious fervour.{{citation needed|date=October 2016}}

In [[Punjab, India|Punjab]], Shobha Yatras would be organised by various Hindu organisations in different cities. It is a grand festival for [[Punjabi Hindus]].{{citation needed|date=March 2021}}

In [[Gujarat]], Maha Shivaratri mela is held at [[Bhavnath]] near [[Junagadh]] where bathing in the Mrugi (Mrigi) kund is considered holy. According to myth, Lord Shiva himself comes to bath in the Mrugi kund.{{citation needed|date=March 2021}}

In [[West Bengal]], Maha Shivaratri is observed devoutly by unmarried girls seeking a suitable husband, often visiting [[Tarakeswar]].{{citation needed|date=March 2021}}

In Odisha, Maha Shivaratri is also known as ''Jagara''. People fast for their wishes whole day and take food after 'Mahadipa' (The great diya) rises at the top of Shiva temple. It usually is held during midnight. Unmarried girls also worship for seeking a suitable husband.{{citation needed|date=March 2021}}

===Stories and beliefs===
There are several stories and beliefs associated with this auspicious event.

====Samudra Manthan====

It is believed that on this particular day Lord Shiva gulped the [[Halahala]] produced during [[Samudra manthan]] and beheld it in his neck which bruised and turned blue, after which he was named as Neel Kanth. It is also believed that the famous [[Neelkanth Mahadev Temple]] is the place where this incident took place.{{citation needed|date=February 2020}}

==Nepal==
[[File:108 Night View Of Pashupatinath Temple.jpg|thumb|Pashupatinath Temple]]
Maha Shivaratri is a national Holiday in Nepal and celebrated widely in temples all over the country, especially in the [[Pashupatinath temple]]. Thousands of devotees visit the famous [[Shakti Peetha|Shiva Shakti Peetham]] nearby as well. Holy rituals are performed all over the nation. Maha Shivaratri is celebrated as Nepali Army Day amid a spectacular ceremony held at the Army Pavilion, Tundikhel.<ref>https://www.nepalarmy.mil.np/viewnews/379</ref> Artists from various classical music and dance forms perform through the night. On Maha Shivaratri, married women pray for the well being of their husbands, while unmarried women pray for a husband like Shiva, considered as the ideal husband. Shiva is also worshipped as the Adi Guru (first teacher) from whom the divine wisdom originates.{{citation needed|date=June 2019}}

==Pakistan==
[[File:Shiv Mandir Umerkot.jpg|thumb|[[Umarkot Shiv Mandir]] in [[Umerkot District|Umarkot]] is famous for the three day [[Shivarathri]] celebration, which is attended by around 250,000 people.<ref name="auto">{{Cite web | url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1392074 | title=The thriving Shiva festival in Umarkot is a reminder of Sindh's Hindu heritage| date=27 February 2018}}</ref>]]
Hindus in Pakistan visit Shiva temples during Shivratri. The most important is the three-day Shivratri festival in the [[Umarkot Shiv Mandir]]. It is one of the biggest religious festivals in the country. It is attended by around 250,000 people. All the expenses were borne by the [[Pakistan Hindu Panchayat]].<ref name="auto"/> Shivrathri Celebrations also occur in the [[Churrio Jabal Durga Mata Temple]], which is attended by 200,000 pilgrims. Hindus cremate the dead and ashes are preserved till Shivratri for immersion into the holy water in [[Churrio Jabal Durga Mata Temple]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/130210/contractor-blasting-through-tharparkar-temple-in-search-of-granite/|title=Contractor blasting through Tharparkar temple in search of granite | The Express Tribune|access-date=18 December 2019}}</ref>

Another major temple where Shivratri is celebrated is the [[Shree Ratneshwar Mahadev Temple, Karachi|Shree Ratneshwar Mahadev Temple in Karachi]] whose Shivratri festival is attended by 25,000 people.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/world/pakistan/story/shri-ratneshwar-mahadev-temple-karachi-overpass-pakistani-hindus-hrcp-187674-2014-04-04|title=150-year-old Hindu temple under threat in Karachi|date=4 April 2014|newspaper=Indiatoday|access-date=28 August 2020}}</ref> On the Shivratri night, Hindus in Karachi fast and visit the temple. Later, devotees from the [[Chanesar Goth]] come to the temple carrying water from the Holy [[Ganges]], in order to bathe the idol of [[Lord Shiva|Shiva]]. [[Puja (Hinduism)|Puja]] is performed until 5 am, when an [[aarti]] is then done. Devotees then walk barefoot with women carrying a [[pooja thali]] containing flowers, incense sticks, rice, coconut and a [[Diya (lamp)|diya]] to the sea after which they are free to break their fast. Later they eat food prepared in the temple kitchen for breakfast.<ref name="Shazia Hasan">{{Cite news|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1243973|title=Hindus celebrate Maha Shivratri festival in Karachi|author=Shazia Hasan|date=7 March 2016|newspaper=Dawn|access-date=28 August 2020}}</ref>

==Outside South Asia==
Maha Shivaratri is the main [[Hindu festival]] among the Hindu diaspora from the Indian states of [[Uttar Pradesh]] and [[Bihar]]. In [[Indo-Caribbean]] communities, thousands of Hindus spend the beautiful night in over four hundred temples across the country, offering special ''jhalls'' (an offering of milk and curd, flowers, sugarcane and sweets) to Lord Shiva.<ref>{{cite web|title=Trinidad Hindus observe Shivratri amid Carnival Celebration|url=https://repeatingislands.com/2014/03/01/trinidad-hindus-observe-shivratri-amid-carnival-celebration/|publisher=Repeating Islands|access-date=31 August 2016|date=2 March 2014}}</ref> In [[Mauritius]], [[Hindus]] go on pilgrimage to [[Ganga Talao]], a crater-lake.<ref>{{cite web|title=The sacred lake of Ganga Talao|url=https://www.cnn.com/2016/05/03/africa/maha-shivaratri-mauritius/index.html|publisher=CNN|access-date=12 June 2018}}</ref>

==See also==
* [[Pradosha]]
* [[Rudraksha]]
* [[Vibhuti]]
* [[Rudra]]
* [[Linga]]
* [[Jangam]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==

* {{Commons category-inline}}
* [http://pluralism.org/religions/hinduism/the-hindu-experience/the-great-night-of-shiva/ Maha Shivaratri celebrations in the USA by The Pluralism Project]

{{Shaivism}}
{{Sindhi festivals}}
{{HinduFestivals}}
{{Hindudharma}}
{{Public holidays in Sri Lanka}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Hindu festivals]]
[[Category:Hindu holy days]]
[[Category:February observances]]
[[Category:March observances]]
[[Category:Hindu festivals in India]]
[[Category:Public holidays in Nepal]]
[[Category:Public holidays in Sri Lanka]]
[[Category:Religious festivals in Bangladesh]]
[[Category:Religious festivals in India]]
[[Category:Religious festivals in Nepal]]
[[Category:Shaivism]]
[[Category:Vrata]]

Maha Shivaratri - Revision history

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2402:3A80:16E4:C6D1:600F:6051:979C:B28: Bhagwan shiv is like praan for us. So instead of calling him shiva i have added lord before the almighty's name