Join us as we talk about the many legends that surround this festival and take you across some of the best places to experience Mahashivratri in 2022.

Lord Shiva is a deity of supreme importance and power in Hindu Religion and Traditions. Shiva comes from the term ‘shava’ which is said to be used by God’s mother as he was born still.

A shava means a corpse. And it is believed that as the deity breathed his first, his mother named him Shiva. The one who made a ‘shava’ (corpse) come to life and is the Ultimate Supreme Being or Power. There are many origin stories of how the deity was named shiva but as per mythology. The one true origin story comes from the belief that Shiva means ‘formless’.

And hence if you notice the Temples where The Great Hindu Lord is worshipped. You will always find a ‘Shiva Linga’ (a stone structure that represents lord shiva) and not a Murti or Sculpture. It is only when the God is worshipped as Shankara or Mahadeva. you see the Great Lord in the ‘form’ of a murti that is in a human form or idol. Lord Shiva also goes by the names and Avatars or roops. Such as Lord Mahadev, Lord Shankara, Bholenath, Lord Mahesh, The Great Neelkanth, And Also Rudra Avatar and many more. 

Lord Shiva is amongst the Hindu Trinity Gods Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh each representing Creation, Preservation and Destruction respectively.  Shiva is also the God of Regeneration and that is one of the reasons why women who wish to conceive usually worship the Lord a lot too. 

What is the Significance of Mahashivratri? 

There are many different stories as to why Mahashivratri or ‘The Great Night of Shiva’ is celebrated in India. It is said that Lord Shiva married Goddess Parvati on this auspicious day. Another origin story also suggests that Lord Shiva drank the poisonous contents. They were a result of the Amrit Manthan between the Devas and Asuras and became the Neelkanth on this Day.

Many also believe that Lord Shiva performed the Tandav Nritya on Mahashivratri that saved the world from Destruction.  In Today’s World, Mahashivratri 2022 is celebrated as a symbolic win on the darkness in life and the world. 

While Many Devotees and Worshippers Fast without consuming anything at all. They also head out to offer Milk and Bel Patra or Bel Tree Leaves to the Shiva Linga at Shiva Temples. As to please the Lord and ask for His blessings as he also goes by the identity of Bholenath who is easily pleased by his true devotees and worshippers. Gigantic Poojas and Aartis take place everywhere across India and People from various cultures and traditions also observe the fast and celebrate this festival every year.

Where can you witness the most stunning mighty celebrations of Mahashivratri 2022?

Listed below are some of the most stunning locations to witness the grand celebration of Mahashivratri:

Adi Yogi Mahadev Statue, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu:

This Gigantic Mahadev Statue is the ‘Largest Bust Sculpture’ in the World designed by the Spiritual leader and Guru Sadhguru. He is also the founder of Isha Foundation and Solely dedicated to Lord Shiva Devotee himself. Each year on the Occasion of Mahashivratri.

Sadhguru along with his established Isha Foundation have a Grand Celebration of the Festival. It includes Night Long Performances, Poojas and Aartis, Meditation, Mantra Ucharan or Chanting, etc. You can simply visit their website and register yourself to attend the event in person live.

Each year thousands and lacs of devotees show up to witness this spiritually enlightening occasion and festival. it was recently completed in the year 2017 and is dedicated to Lord Shiva in the form of the first Yogi in the World who introduced the world to Yoga as Adiyogi.

Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh: 

Varanasi or Kashi has a strong connection with Lord Shiva and has many temples dedicated to the deity. Mahashivratri 2022 completely changes the way this place feels normally and adds the spiritual and traditional touch that you crave.  The spiritual capital of India celebrates the Wedding of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati on Mahashivratri. Almost every Shiva Temple has special preparations going on from the morning.

People set up plays and enact the wedding and stories of Lord Shiva and Parvati and even have a Baraat for the deities wedding. Later the devotees enjoy glasses of Bhaang and Thandaai (liquid form legalised marijuana in milk). It is believed that Lord shiva enjoyed this drink and Bhang himself too.

Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga, Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh:

The only 1 Jyotirlinga out of the 12 that faces South, Mahakaleshwar is a Shiva temple dedicated to God’s Mahakal Form. The linga is self-originated and does not draw any power from the mantras as it channels it from within. It is also called Dakshinmukhi jyotirlinga which depicts Lord Shiva is facing the direction of death (South in Hindu Religion) and hence he is the master of Death. People who have critically ill family or friends who suffer from life-threatening diseases often come here to pray to Lord Mahakal to end their suffering and help them recover.  The Temple is also famous for Bhasma Aarti where the lord is offered ashes of real humans. It is believed Lord shiva is as pure, imperishable, non-dual and unchangeable as ashes.

To conclude, all we would like to say is, ‘Om Namah Shivaya’. This means- The Universe Bows to Lord Shiva. I Bow to Lord Shiva. 

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