On Chaturdashi Tithi under the month of Magh, annually thousands of people gather around religious temples and stupas especially prominent ones like Pashupatinath Temples and other monuments to celebrate the night in honour of the god, Shiva. It is observed and marked as a remembrance of 'overcoming darkness and ignorance.' Lord Shiva is remembered and worshipped both in the crowds and at home. Chanting prayers, fasting and meditation done by devout Hindus, the festival is integral to Hinduism and is observed in Nepal and India and other Hindus throughout the world.
Unlike most of the other Hindu festivals, which is an expression of cultural revelry, Maha Shivaratri is a solemn event that is for more devotees to exercise self-introspective, focus, fasting, self-study and social harmony. Charity and forgiveness and the discovery of Lord Shiva is the main aspects of worship for the festival. Offerings to Shiva are made with fruits, leaves, sweets and milk with many people performing all-day fasting with the all-night vigil being done to mark the sacred night to 'overcoming darkness and ignorance.' During the three days in which the festival is celebrated, chants of 'Om Namah Shivaya' can be heard in every corner of Nepal and the recitation of Shiva Chalisa is done by the pious.
This monumental festivity has its roots back in both history and mythology going back to antiquity. Historical records and etiquettes show that the festival may originate from the 5th century. The festival itself has been mentioned in many sacred texts of Puranas, mentioning fasting and reverence to the Lingam, the icons of Shiva. Many historical also show that the three days is also a place of confluence and a melting pot of artists, dance festivals to express themselves. This has been known as 'Natyanjali' which directly translates to 'worship through dance'.
Legends and myths describe the night was when Shiva performs the heavenly dance of creation, preservation and destruction. 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. A different legend states the offering to Shiva icons such as the lingam is an annual occasion to get over past sins if any, to restart on a virtuous path and thereby reach Mount Kailasha and liberation.
In Nepal, Maha Shivaratri is observed as a national holiday and celebrated widely in temples all over the country, especially in the Pashupatinath temple. Thousands of devotees visit the famous 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. 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
Text By: Samyak Dhar Tuladhar
Photos by: Bidyash Dangol
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