Why do we celebrate Shiva Ratri?
Maha Shivratri is predominantly a Hindu festival, celebrated annually in honour of Lord Shiva, the God of destruction. Shivratri is celebrated in every month of the luni-solar calendar, in accordance with the Hindu calendar but once a year, in late winter Maha Shivratri is celebrated to commemorate the oncoming summer.
What do you offer Lord Shiva on Mahashivratri?
Each year Shiva devotees offer milk to the Shiva lingam. Milk is also consumed widely during the vrat. Both milk and milk based beverages make for popular picks during the vrat. You can have thandai, badaam doodh (almond milk) makhane ki kheer, sabudana kheer during fasting.
What should we not do on Shivratri?
Maha Shivratri don’ts
- Consumption of wheat, rice and pulses in any form is strictly prohibited.
- Do not consume meat, onion and garlic.
- Do not consume tobacco or alcohol.
- Do not offer coconut water to Shiva Linga.
- Do not offer vermillion (sindoor/kumkum) to the Shiva Linga.
- Avoid offering Ketaki flowers.
What is special today for Lord Shiva?
Maha Shivratri is an auspicious Hindu festival and is considered to be the most important and celebrated Shivratri among the 12 others celebrated in a year. Devotees celebrate the grace of Lord Shiva on this day. Maha Shivratri will be celebrated on Thursday, March 11 this year.
What is Ketaki flower?
Ketaki is a forbidden flower cursed by Lord Shiva for bearing a false witness of Lord Brahma. According to a legend, Lord Vishnu was lying on the serpent couch in the sea of eternity. Both Brahma and Vishnu were awestruck by the cosmic pillar of light.
Can we offer Kesar to Shiva?
On Shivling you should never offered saffron, Ketaki flower, turmeric, coconut water. Not only on Shivratri but also on normal days or on Monday you should not offered to Shivling. This is because Lord Shiva is a recluse, normally recluse people put ash on their forehead.
What is ketki flower?
Ketaki is a forbidden flower cursed by Lord Shiva for bearing a false witness of Lord Brahma. According to a legend, Lord Vishnu was lying on the serpent couch in the sea of eternity. Lord Brahma, while passing by felt insulted when Lord Vishnu neither rose nor greeted him.
Is Shivratri good for marriage?
Maha Shivratri is considered auspicious and is considered important for the following reasons : Liberation from the past sins or bad karmas. Attainment of moksha-liberation from the cycle of birth and death. Married women attain marital bliss and prosperous family life.
Can you wear black on Shivaratri?
Black colour should be completely avoided as Lord Shiva did not like the colour at all. It spurred negative emotions within him. Devotees are supposed to wear cotton clothes as they are considered pure. Men are supposed to wear dhoti while offering prayers.