The competition of Maha Shivratri, additionally referred to as the “the Great Night of Shiva” marks the celebration of Lord Shiva and Maa Parvati’s bridal ceremony. The competition is widely known every year on the thirteenth evening and 14th day of the Hindu month Phalguna.This yr Mahashivratri will likely be celebrated on March 11.
Preparations for the celebration are already in full swing and a lot of the Shiva-Parvati temples are decked up superbly. Maha Shivratri is widely known in different methods throughout the size and breath of the nation.Â
This time of the yr is believed by religious Hindus to be the time when the celestial energy descends on the earth to enlighten ignorant souls in search of refuge in his compassionate arms. Maha Shivaratri is in reverence of the supreme-most of the Hindu Trinity – Lord Shiva.
Shiva is taken into account the personification of manhood and most Hindu girls want to have a husband like him. The Lord first took manifestation in the type of a linga on the evening of Aridra Nakshatra and therefore the importance of the Maha Shivaratri.
There are as many as 12 Jyotirlingas in India which are symbolic of the ‘radiance of Lord Shiva’ (Jyoti that means radiance and Linga – a part of Shiva).
Here’s looking on the well-known 12 Jyotirlingas in India that one can worship in his/her lifetime:
Somnath
Considered to be the holiest of all of the Jyotirlingas, the Somnath Temple in Gujarat is historically the primary to be visited throughout the Dwadash pilgrimage. The temple is believed to have been destroyed and re-constructed 16 occasions since Soma or Moon God constructed in gold.
Mallikarjuna
Situated on the highest of a mountain on river Krishna, Mallikarjuna, often known as Srisaila is the divine place where Adi Shankaracharya composed Sivananda Lahiri. Located in the Kurnool district of the state of Andhra Pradesh, Srisaila is known for its stupendous archaeology.
Mahakaleshwar
Situated in Ujjain (Madhya Pradesh), the Mahakal Shivlinga is the only real Swayanbhu (that means self-created) linga of the 12 Jyotirlingas. The linga faces in direction of the south and is the one temple that hosts the Shree Yantra inscribed on the ceiling above the Grabhagriha.
Omkareshwar
Situated on the island referred to as Mandhata or Shivpuri on river Narmada, Omkareshwar is known for its Omkara and Amareshwar temples. The form of the island is believed to resemble the signal OM.
Kedarnath
The Garhwal Himalayan vary in Uttarakhand is dwelling to one of the vital well-known Jyotirlingas, Kedarnath. Situated close to the Mandakini River, the temple is commonly snow-clad. Access to the temple is feasible solely by foot owing to its rugged terrain and harsh climatic situation.
Bhimashankar
Most individuals imagine that Bhimashankar linga is located close to Pune in Maharashtra. However, a debate looms over the unique Bhimashankar linga as totally different legends cite different places of the linga. According to the Shiva Purana, the Bhimshankar temple close to Guwahati in the jap Indian state of Assam is among the 12 Jyotirlingas. But the Linga Puran says that the Bhim Shankar temple in Bhimpur in Orissa is among the 12 shrines.
Kashi Vishwanath
The most sacred of all of the Jyotirlingas, the Kashi Vishwanath is located on the banks of the Ganga in Varanasi, often known as Kashi or Benaras. The deity is known as Vishwanatha or the ‘Ruler of the Universe’. The city of Benaras is believed to be the oldest dwelling metropolis with a documented historical past spanning over 3500 years.
Trimbakeshwar
Located on the banks of the Godavari River close to Nasik in Maharashtra, Trimbakeshwar is understood for its three-headed linga that represents the Hindu Trinity, Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh. The linga has been decreasing in measurement owing to the extreme use of water. But the erosion of the linga is taken into account symbolic for it displays the sporting away of life with time.
Vaidyanath or Baidyanath
The precise location of the Vaidyanath Jyotirlinga can also be debated as some imagine that the one in Jharkhand is the unique one whereas one other faculty of thought believes that the Baijnath in Himachal Pradesh is among the 12 sacred Lingas. The Parli Vaijyanath in Maharashtra additionally claims to be one of many Jyotirlingas.
Nageshwara
The state of Gujarat is dwelling to a different Jyotirlinga, the Nageshwar linga. However, the states of Uttarakhand and Maharashtra are in dispute over claiming a spot in the 12 Jyotirlingas. But in keeping with the Shiva Purana, Nageshvara is in the forested space of Darukavana. The Deodar forest in Uttarkhand properties the Darukavana and since there is no such thing as a hint of the forest in the Dwaraka area (Gujarat). But the favored notion appears to be Gujarat.
Ramanathaswamy in Rameshwaram
The southernmost temple that properties one of many 12 Jyotirlingas is called Rameshwaram. Lord Rama is believed to have prayed to Lord Shiva to pardon him off the sins (if any) dedicated by him throughout the battle in opposition to Ravan. The temple can also be one of many 4 holy websites {that a} Hindu visits throughout his lifetime.
Grishneshwar
Situated close to the Ellora temples in Aurangabad, the Grishneshwar linga has an attention-grabbing legend. Lord Shiva helped a mom get again her useless son by making a miracle and showing to her and the villagers as Jyotirlinga Gushmeshwar.
Here’s wishing our readers a really Happy Maha Shivratri!
