Maha Shivratri Celebrations From Around the World

Day-long fasts, tolling temple bells, midnight song and dance and piety born out of pure love for Lord Shiva dominates Shivratri, the festival that celebrates marital peace and conjugal harmony. It is believed that observing this festival with devotion will bring to one the perfect companion, the love of one’s life.

According to popular mythology on the origin of this auspicious day, Parvati, Shiva’s wife once asked him what his favourite night of the year was. He coyly told her this story about the thirteenth night of the new moon, of Krishna Paksha in the month of Magha (February – March), when his devotees would offer him flowers, sandalwood and incense; all this made him happier than his devotees going through difficult fasts for him.

Maha Shivratri is also believed to be the night Shiva was married to Parvati, or Shakti (the symbol of love, fertility and prosperity among Hindus). She signifies divine power, is the pillar of strength and the nurturer of all humanity. It is in her union with Shiva, that all humanity has meaning, and all beings on the earth bloom and flourish.

Contrary to popular belief, Maha Shivratri is celebrated with a lot of reverence across various parts of the world. Here are a few interesting countries where Maha Shivatri is observed with a lot of zeal and enthusiasm.

Mauritius

Every year on Maha Shivratri, Ganga Talao comes to life with vibrant processions and activities which pay a generous ode to the favourite God of the island, Shiva. It is believed by Mauritian folklore that the water of the Grand Bassin, or Ganga Talao, springs from the water of River Jahnvi, thus making it a part of Ganga and one of the holiest places in this island country. Every year, Hindus in Mauritius start a journey on foot to reach the Talao, which is deep in a forest in the district of Savanne.

The biggest statue on the island of Mauritius happens to be a 108 feet statue of Shiva, at the Ganga Talao. Such is the reverence for the God, even away from India!

Bangladesh

In Chandranath Dham at Chittagong, the Hindu population of the country throngs to offer prayers to Lord Shiva, on the night of Maha Shivratri. Hindus invoke the mighty God to pray for a good partner in their lives, and make offerings out of love and gratitude.

Nepal

With a large Hindu population, Nepal has some of the best temples and shrines in the world. Being a close extension of the Indian Himalayas, Nepal is another country where Mahesh is worshipped in all his pride and glory. The Pashupatinath Temple of Nepal is one of the holiest shrines of Shiva, where he is also revered as one of the founding fathers of Yoga Vidya. It is believed that the night of Maha Shivratri brings about a difference in the energy of the human body and a common belief is that staying awake on Maha Shivratri makes a difference in an individual’s perception of the world. Several song and dance rituals are observed in the Pashupatinath Temple premises, and women pray to the Mahadev for marital happiness and bliss.

India

This one is a no-brainer. With 12 governments of states and Union territories announcing official holidays on Maha Shivratri, which is often perceived as the God’s wedding anniversary, this day is a big deal for most Hindus. India has 12 Jyotirlingas, which are auspicious shrines to worship the deity. It is believed that it was in these temples that Shiva appeared as a blinding ray of light to settle a dispute between Brahma and Vishnu on who was the father of all creation. These twelve temples observe Maha Shivratri with great splendour and are among the best places to offer your prayers on this auspicious day.
 

Pilgrimage is a big part of the Hindu belief system, as the founding fathers of the religion felt that travel helps humans grow in a way that education or profession cannot. Hence, the idea of travelling to visit various shrines came into the picture. Now, isn’t that an awesome reason to travel!

How about planning a trip to one of these countries and admiring these beautiful temples and shrines? Book your flights and hotels now!