MAHA SHIVA RATRI

Dr S Ainavolu

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Shiva is one of our Trinity and in charge of the “moving on” of the pranakoti is well known. Shiva Ratri is that night on which one is embedded in pure consciousness. Shiva is the ultimate in terms of “what needs to be known’ Ratri appearing close to every month's new moon day (Amavasya) is called Masa Shiva Ratri. That particular Shiva Ratri which comes during the month of Magha for the Amanta following is called Maha Shiva Ratri, typically happening in February. On the celebratory front, people visit temples where Shiva is the main deity, offer abhishekam, recite the Vedic verse of “Rudram”, and offer bilva patram.