Mahashivratri, also known as the “greatest night of Lord Shiva”, is one of the most auspicious festivals for devotees of Lord Shiva. The festival is observed on Chaturdashi tithi, Krishna Paksha (14th day during the waxing phase of the Lunar cycle in the Phalguna month as per the Purnimant calendar or Magha (as per the Amavasyat calendar.) This year it was celebrated on 8th March.
On this auspicious day, devotees worshipped Lord Shiva and observed a day long fast and a special puja (chaar peher ki puja) was performed during midnight by pandits and few devotees, not only from the neighborhood but from as far as Panchsheel, Sainik Farms and Gurugram, who paid an ode to Mahadev to seek his blessings. The chaar peher puja is done from 10 pm to 4 am. Any devotee can bring the required puja samagri and have the puja performed by the priests of the temple. It is done four times over with breaks in between to clean the mandir.
Mahashivratri night marks the celebration of the union of Lord Shiva with Godess Parvati. As per the Hindu mythology, on this day, Lord Shiva tied the nuptial knot with Godess Parvati. Lord Shiva embodies Purusha (mindfulness), whereas Maa Parvati has a persona of Prakriti (nature). With the union of both consciousness and energy, it facilitates creation.
As per Hinduism, Lord Shiva on this night, performs his heavenly dance of preservation, creation and destruction, known as TANDAV.
