Tue Feb 25 03:00:00 UTC 2025: ## Maha Shivratri: Fact vs. Fiction and the Significance of the Festival
**Ujjain, India** – Maha Shivratri, the great night of Shiva, falls on February 26th this year. While popularly believed to be the day of Shiva and Parvati’s marriage, religious scholars clarify that this is a misconception. According to the Shiva Purana, Maha Shivratri actually commemorates the first appearance of the Shiva Lingam on the fourteenth day of the bright fortnight in the Phalguna month. This event, witnessed by Lord Vishnu and Brahma, is the true origin of the festival. The Shiva Purana further details that Shiva’s marriage to Parvati occurred on a different date entirely – the second day of the dark fortnight in the Agrahayana month (November 7th this year).
This article details the five key aspects of Maha Shivratri, including auspicious timings for worship (char prahar muhurta) as shared by chief priests from Ujjain, Kashi, and Kedarnath Jyotirlingas. It also explains the proper observance of the fast, which includes abstaining from food.
The article also delves into the scientific basis behind the Maha Mrityunjaya mantra, highlighting its benefits in promoting mental peace and concentration. The tradition of celebrating Shiva’s marriage on Maha Shivratri, according to Kashi and Ujjain scholars, stems from the belief that the lower part of the Shiva Lingam represents Parvati, making the night a celebration of the union of Shiva and Shakti (divine power). The article concludes by noting the lack of historical documentation on the origins of this tradition.
First Piper 