Meaning of Maha Shivratri

• Sanitization of the soul is represented by a bath given to the Shiva lingam with rose water, milk, honey and bael leaves.
• Vermilion paste applied to the Shiv lingam is symbolic of a good feature.
• Offering of fruits made to the Shiv lingam represents long life and fulfillment of desires.
• Prosperity is produced by the burning of incense sticks.
• The lighting of the lamp means achievement of knowledge.
• Offering of piper betel leaves portrays happiness.

Temples face a large crowd of people as the devotees visit the famous temples of Lord Shiva all over India on the festival of Maha Shivratri. People observe fast during the day and in the night they worship Lord Shiva and recite Shiv chailsa, aarti along with other prayers and in the morning they open their fast. “Om Namah Shivaya” is the line that is repeated by the devotees several times during the day. There are several legends that are associated with the celebrations of Maha Shivratri and therefore people perform several rituals and traditions on this festival.

Women observe the fast of Shivratri with immense believe, as it is said that married women observe the fast for the well being of their family and unmarried girls observe fast for a good husband like Lord Shiva.