The story behind Maha Shivratri is rooted in various beliefs & folk tales. Some of them say that it marks the wedding day of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, while other theories say that it was the night that Shiva performed the heavenly dance of creation, preservation and destruction. Yet another belief says that on this night devotees pray for the well being of Lord Shiva after He drank the poison, ‘Garala’ produced from the churning of the milk ocean, known as ‘Samudra Manthan’.
आमुलं स्फटिकाबद्धं मध्ये वैधुर्यसन्नीभम् ।
पद्मरागसमोद्धेवं च ज्वलते अजसतुलम् ।। २.११ - १२ ।।
Meaning:
He is identical to Purna Bramha, His form is made of sphatika in the bottom, vaidurya in the middle & padmaraga on the top. His effulgence is that of fire.
According to Hindu mythology, the ocean of milk was churned to restore the 'Shree' of heaven. The churning produced many supernatural powers (such as Kamadhenu, Shree Lakshmi, etc.), as well as nectar (Amrut) and poison (Garala). The Gods and demons fought for the nectar, but the heavens, the earth, and the underworld were disturbed by the power of poison. Lord Vishnu advised the Gods to worship Mahadev. After fervent prayers by the devotees, Mahadev appeared and drank the poison despite its terrible rage.
Maa Adi Shakti Parvati with her power stopped the poison from spreading all over Shiva's body and stored it in his throat. However, the poison took a toll on him making him senseless. All the devotees stayed up all night to protect their Mahadev and prayed to the formless Brahma.
The power of devotees and their prayers healed Mahadev. Chandra Dev pleaded with Mahadev to provide immediate relief & Mahadev held Chandra on his head. That is why Mahadev is also called Chandrashekhar. Mahadev's throat turned blue with the venom of the poison. However, under the influence of Chandradev's rays, it could not harm Mahadev. Hence, he is also worshipped in the Trilok as Nilakantha.
In remembrance of that day, Mahashivratri is celebrated every year to celebrate the reunion of the Lord & His devotees. Mahashivratri is one of the four great nights (Kala Ratri) of the year. That is why every year diyas are lit and devotees pray to Mahadev, wishing a better life for the world.
Do you know any other version of the story? Let us know in the comment section below.
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