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Definition: For Hindus, the 14th day of the dark half of every month (the time of the new moon) is called Shivrati, or "the night of Shiva." Once a year, during the month of Magha (usually February or March on the western calendar), this night is called Maha Shivaratri, which means "the great night of Shiva." For Hindus generally, and devotees of Shia in particular, this is one of the most important and unique of Hindu holidays.
One particular characteristic of this holiday is the relative lack of festivals, revelry, gaity, etc. This is not a time of great celebration but instead a time of fasting and religious devotion. Another interesting characteristic is that it occurs at night - it is not a daytime fast as with Muslims during Ramadan, but instead a nighttime fast, only broken at dawn. Even then, this first meal includes only the normal sorts of things which would be eaten.
Throughout the night believers are expected to keep watch over the linga, or phallic symbol representing Shiva. They do not eat, but they do regularly bathe the linga with milk, curds, ghee, sugar and honey. Shiva is traditionally depicted as a "hot tempered" god, quick to anger. Thus, most offerings made to Shiva are those considered to have some sort of cooling effect. Many stories indicate that those who maintain the watch all night will surely attain heavenly bliss, that is how important this ritual is.
This holiday is often considered important for women. In addition to general prayers to Shiva, like those said by the men, women are also expected to pray for their husbands and sons. Unmarried women are expected to pray to get a husband who is like Shiva (generally regarded as a pefect example of what a husband should be like). It is worth noting that while it is said that this night is for women, it is expected that women focus their efforts and thought on men. So who is really benefiting here?
Why is this holiday celebrated at this time of the year? According to one legend, it was on this day that Shiva first manifested as the linga in an effort to break up an argument between Brahma and Vishnu over who as the superior god. In the form of a huge column of fire, Shiva demonstrated superiority over both of them.
Why is this holiday celebrated at night? According to another legend, a hunter (or forest dweller) fleeing a tiger was trapped in a tree over night. In order to stay awake rather than fall out of the tree in his sleep, he kept picking leaves off the nearby branches and chanting the name of Shiva. At dawn, he realized that he had dropped the leaves on an unseen linga. Although unwitting, this worship pleased Shiva who blessed the man. This is also a reason why bili leaves are also placed on the linga during the night's watch.
Also Known As: none
Alternate Spellings: Maha-Shivrati Mahashivrati
Common Misspellings: none
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