The word Shivratri comes from a beautiful amalgamation of Shiva (Lord Shiva) + Ratri (night), so Shivaratri means the night of Lord Shiva. Every month’s Krishna Chaturdasi is known as Shivaratri. But the Krishna Chaturdasi of the Phalguna Month is known as Maha Shivratri. This day is celebrated with great reverence and devotion throughout the nation & globally.
Significance of Maha Shivaratri
During the time of destruction, i.e., Pradosh, Lord Shiva is observed performing his divine dance of Tandava and destroying the universe by the power of his third eye. On this day, Sri Shankar married Goddess Parvati, hence why Bhole Bhandarii’s marriage procession is carried out, and only fruits are accepted as Prasad. Maha Shivratri was also when Lord Shiva drank poison from the Samudra Manthana between the demigods and demons. This is one of the many reasons why this festival is known as Maha Shivratri and Jal Ratri.