All about Maha Shivaratri

Maha Shivaratri is a special celebration in Hinduism that honors the god Shiva. Shiva is known as the destroyer of evil and the god of meditation, yoga, and dance. The festival falls on the 14th day of the dark half of the Hindu month of Phalgun.

On Maha Shivaratri, people all around the world fast and stay up all night to pray and worship Lord Shiva. They offer special prayers, light lamps, and pour milk and water over Shiva's sacred symbol, the lingam. Devotees believe that by doing these rituals, they can receive blessings from Shiva and have their wishes fulfilled.

Legend has it that Maha Shivaratri marks the day when Shiva saved the world by drinking poison that emerged from the ocean during a great battle between the gods and demons. By drinking the poison, Shiva saved the world from destruction, but his throat turned blue, which is why he is also known as Neelkanth, meaning the one with a blue throat.

Maha Shivaratri is a time for people to come together, pray, and celebrate the power of Lord Shiva. It is a day of fasting, devotion, and spreading love and positivity.

1. Who is the god honored during Maha Shivaratri?
2. What are some of the activities people do on Maha Shivaratri?
3. Why is Shiva also known as Neelkanth?
4. How do devotees believe they can benefit from the rituals performed on Maha Shivaratri?
5. Why is Maha Shivaratri considered a time for spreading love and positivity?

Symbols and Traditions

Maha Shivaratri is a special festival celebrated by Hindus to honor Lord Shiva, one of the main gods in Hinduism. During this festival, people pray, fast, and stay up all night to show their devotion to Lord Shiva.

There are many symbols and traditions associated with Maha Shivaratri. One important symbol is the lingam, which represents Lord Shiva's energy and creative power. People pour milk, water, and honey over the lingam as a way of showing respect and offering prayers. Another symbol is the snake, which is often seen around Lord Shiva's neck.

People also light lamps and incense, and offer fruits and flowers to Lord Shiva's idol. They may also perform special prayers and chants throughout the night.

One of the most important traditions of Maha Shivaratri is fasting. Many people fast during the day and night of the festival as a way of purifying themselves and showing their dedication to Lord Shiva.

1. Why is the lingam an important symbol during Maha Shivaratri?
2. What is the significance of fasting during this festival?
3. How do people show their devotion to Lord Shiva on Maha Shivaratri?
4. Explain the symbolism of the snake associated with Lord Shiva.
5. Discuss the importance of coming together to celebrate Maha Shivaratri.

My Family and Maha Shivaratri

Hi, I am Aoife and I am 8 years old. Today, I want to tell you about how my family celebrates Maha Shivaratri, a special festival for Hindus to honor Lord Shiva. During this festival, we pray, fast, and stay up all night to show our devotion to Lord Shiva.

1. What is the significance of the lingam in Maha Shivaratri?
2. What is the symbolism of the snake in relation to Lord Shiva?
3. How do people show respect and offer prayers during Maha Shivaratri?
4. Why is fasting an important tradition during Maha Shivaratri?
5. How do Hindus come together to celebrate Maha Shivaratri?

Comparing Maha Shivaratri to another Festival

After learning all about Maha Shivaratri, is there another festival that you celebrate or that you know that is similar in any way? Make a project comparing the similarities and differences between this festival and Maha Shivaratriand think about what symbols and traditions that are part of it. Think about the story of the festival, if it has one, where it is mainly celebrated - whether it is one country or all over the world. You can produce the project using any medium whether it's paper or on a laptop.

Slideshow - Maha Shivaratri
A full set of teaching plans for Maha Shivaratriteaching.