Maha Shivaratri is celebrated in Shiva temples all over India on the night when the god is said to have performed the Tandava, or the dance of primordial creation, preservation and destruction.
Devotees of Shiva fast during the day and maintain a long vigil during the night of Maha Shivaratri. In temples all across the country, bells ring, sacred texts are chanted and traditional offerings of leaves and milk are made to the Shiva lingam, the phallic symbol of the god.
On the day of Maha Shivaratri, the lingam is bathed with the five sacred offerings of a cow, called the panchagavya - milk, sour milk, urine, butter and dung. Thereafter the five foods of immortality - milk, clarified butter, curd, honey and sugar - are placed before the lingam. Dhatura and jati, though poisonous fruits, are believed to be sacred to Shiva and thus offered at his temple.
Devotees keep a fast (vrat) on Maha Shivaratri and observe strict rules, to gain good karma. Worship of Shiva is said to release the worshipper from the cycle of death and rebirth.
On the day of Maha Shivaratri, the lingam is bathed with the five sacred offerings of a cow, called the panchagavya - milk, sour milk, urine, butter and dung. Thereafter the five foods of immortality - milk, clarified butter, curd, honey and sugar - are placed before the lingam. Dhatura and jati, though poisonous fruits, are believed to be sacred to Shiva and thus offered at his temple.
Devotees keep a fast (vrat) on Maha Shivaratri and observe strict rules, to gain good karma. Worship of Shiva is said to release the worshipper from the cycle of death and rebirth.
