Masik Shivratri: The Devotion to Lord Shiva that Yields Utmost Prosperity and Happiness
Masik Shivratri is a monthly festival dedicated to Lord Shiva, celebrated on the 14th night (chaturdashi) of the Hindu lunar month. There are twelve such occasions in a year, one for each month of the Hindu calendar.
Devotees observe fast, go for prayers and visit Shiva temples on this day to seek the blessings of the Lord. It is believed that fasting on this day can bring good luck, prosperity, and total happiness in life.
The Shivratri in the Hindu month of Magha (January-February) is considered the most important one, and it is also known as Maha Shivratri. It is observed on the 14th night of the dark fortnight in the month of Magha. It holds great significance for devotees of Lord Shiva.
What is The Significance of it?
The significance of Masik Shivratri is that it provides an opportunity for devotees to worship the Lord and seek His blessings on a monthly basis. Lord Shiva is considered to be the supreme Lord both destruction and creation in Hinduism. He is believed to be responsible for the cycle of life and death too.
Observing fast and performing prayers on this day is believed to cleanse the body and mind of numerous impurities and help to attain spiritual growth too. It is also believed that fasting on this day can help to overcome physical and mental illnesses and invokes peace, prosperity, and happiness in life.
The Shivratri in the month of Magha (Maha Shivratri) is considered the most auspicious one. It is celebrated with great fervor and devotion by the devotees of the Lord. It is believed that on this day, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati got wedded.Devotees offer special puja to seek their blessings for a happy and prosperous life.
Who Generally Observe the Day?
It is generally observed by devotees of Lord Shiva who want spiritual growth, inner peace, and material prosperity. It is believed that observing fast and performing special prayers on this day can help to attain the blessings of Lord Shiva and can bring good luck and happiness in life.
Is There Any Astrological Relationship Behind this Shivratri?
Yes, the observance has an astrological significance as well. It is believed that the 14th day of the Hindu lunar month is an auspicious day for performing spiritual practices, including the worship of Lord Shiva.
As per Hindu astrology, Lord Shiva is associated with Mars (Mangal), which is considered to be a powerful and malefic planet. Fasting and performing special prayers on this special occasion can help in pacifying the negative effects of Mars and bring good luck and prosperity.
Again, it is also believed that observing the holy day can help in balancing the energy centers or chakras located in the body and can promote physical and mental well-being.
To Conclude
It can be told that Masik Shivratri has both spiritual and astrological significance. It is considered an important observance for those people who seek the blessings of Lord Shiva and wish to attain spiritual growth and material prosperity in life.
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Masik Shivratri is celebrated every month and is an optimal day to receive the blessings of Lord Shiva as well as his wife Parvati. While, the major Shivratri is celebrated only once in a year, Masik Shivratri is equally important as it is the day on which devotees of Lord Shiva keep up fasts and also pray to him.
History
There is a lot of significance behind why Masik Shivratri is celebrated; the popular belief is that on this day Lord Shiva saved the universe by drinking a poison named "Samudra Mathan" which had appeared out of the ocean of milk while the Gods and Demons were churning it. Another belief is that this is the day on which Shiva and Parvati got married.
Celebration
Masik Shivratri is a very important day in Hinduism and hence many visit the temples of Lord Shiva to pray to him by singing devotional hymns. It is also a very important day for women who are married, they pray to Lord Shiva on this day for a successful marriage and also a long life for their husband. Even the unmarried women can pray to Lord Shiva to bless them with a husband.