DO YOU KNOW HISTORY OF MAHASHIVRATRI?
“Bum Bum Bhole”, said an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva as he woke up on a Monday morning!
Being an Indian, you too must have heard someone say one of the most popular chants in India, “Bum Bum Bhole”. Especially if you are a Hindu in India, you might know the fervor of Shiva devotees.
There is something in these words ” Bum Bum Bhole”, a kind of energy, an unexplainable joy that makes one feel like they are on the 7th heaven or cloud nine. This fervor for Lord Shiva is quite apparent among pilgrims when they visit Shiv “Dhams” (pilgrimage sites), the beautiful Amaranth in Kashmir or during a traditional Shiva festival, especially Mahashivratri. Shiva’s devotion reaches its peak with the celebration of Mahashivratri; a name that literally means ‘The Great Night of Shiva’. Celebrated in India with Josh (enthusiasm) and without Hosh (submerged in pleasure) with friends and community members, it is a night when the ardent devotees of Shiva stay awake all night!
But is that it? Do we just celebrate because everyone else does? Or do you just drink the bhang for seeking pleasure? Though these are a few ways to express your joy on Mahashivratri; this is not the only reason it should be celebrated. Mahashivratri represents a night when you “overcome darkness and ignorance” in yourself and others.
So why is Mahashivratri really celebrated with so much enthusiasm?
A day of thanks:
Did you know that on this day Lord Shiva drank the poison that was intended to destroy the universe and which no one was ready to touch? The Mighty Shiva not only drank it but also did not let it reach his stomach that represented the universe. He held it in his throat making it go dark blue. Therefore, it is a day that Hindus cherish as a way of thanking Lord Shiva for protecting the world from poison.
The wedding of Shiva and Parvati:
Mahashivratri is also celebrated to mark the wedding of the beloved couple “Parvati and Shiva”. Did you know that the sculptures at Khajuraho in Madhya Pradesh symbolize the union of Shiva and Parvati; two cosmic forces, of light and dark, of sky and earth.
The dance of the universe:
Another story that goes is that Mahashivratri is the night when Shiva carries out the heavenly dance of creation, preservation, and destruction. It is thus a night of universal proportions.
Celebrated for one day and night:
If you are a devotee then good that you know but those people who are new to the ritual, believe us that, Yes you also just said it now.
HOW TO CELEBRATE MAHASHIVRATRI IN THE MOST ENJOYABLE WAY:
On the occasion of Mahashivratri, devotees visit Shiva temples just before midnight, offer milk and prayers to Shiva’s idol and chant Bum Bum Bhole. Here are a few ways you can celebrate Mahashivratri to the fullest:
Go “Madhosh” with the Bhang:
If you have wanted to taste alcohol once in your life but probably resisted fearing its effects or your elders, then Bhang is for you. Having bhang within limits does no harm to your body and is also acceptable in our society. Whether you are young or old, you are free to drink it and dissolve all your stress.
Bath the Shivalinga:
Many people including you have poured water to give a bath to Lord Shiva but did you know you can bath the Shivlinga on this day with Honey, milk and of course water? Doing so is considered highly auspicious.
Blast the music:
While your parents are busy in worshipping Lord Shiva and there is an endless line to get to the Shivlinga, you can enjoy this day with your friends on the hymns and songs of lord Shiva. Trust us! The “Bhajans” can really rev up your heart!
Participate in Shiva Plays:
All those Mahashivratri functions every year where you see kids and youngsters performing are something you too can engage in! Get together with a group of friends and create your own play!
Get ready to celebrate MAHASHIVRATRI which is around the corner. We wish you a Happy Mahashivratri; may Lord Shiva bless you. Bum Bum Bhole!
