Maha Shivratri 2021: The legend behind how Lord Shiva came to be known as Gangadhar!

The auspicious competition of Maha Shivratri is well known marking the wedding ceremony of Lord Shiva and Maa Parvati. Lord Shiva can also be known as “The Destroyer” within the Hindu trinity. Shivratri falls as soon as each month earlier than the complete moon, often on a month’s thirteenth night time/14th day. But crucial one is Maha Shivratri which happens in late February or March. This 12 months Maha Shivaratri or ‘the Great Night of Shiva will be celebrated on Thursday (March 11). 

There are numerous legends about Lord Shiva and his mighty powers. On the event of Maha Shivratri, we determined to check out the story of the time when Lord Shiva held the mighty Ganga in his matted locks. 

King Bhagiratha succeeded in pleasing Lord Brahma after his great-grandfather Sagara angered Sage Kapila by accusing him of stealing the sacrificial horse meant for performing the Ashwamedha Yagya. The horse was really stolen by Lord Indra who feared Sagara would develop extra highly effective than him after performing the Yagya.

Sage Kapila cursed Sagara and his descendants by saying they are going to by no means be ready to attain Moksha till they create the divine Ganga to earth from the heavens.

Brahma, who will get happy by Bhagiratha’s prayers, asks Ganga to descend to the earth. But Ganga takes offence to this and decides to destroy the earth along with her mighty drive. Brahma who knew of Ganga’s fury requested Bhagiratha to search Lord Shiva’s assist to fight Ganga’s rage.

Lord Shiva agrees to assist Bhagiratha. Ganga, who’s oblivious of Shiva’s energy, descended with super drive considering she would wash him away. But Shiva, the lord of the lords that he’s, held her tightly in his matted hair. Soon, Ganga realised Lord Shiva was no odd being and calmed down.

Only a steady, sturdy and invincible thoughts can maintain by the temptations of the materialistic world. Nothing can distract him. Hence to attain the reality, one wants to be unshakable. Stability alone can carry peace and happiness.

To defeat conceitedness, satisfaction and ego, one wants to have a robust thoughts. In this case,(Ganga’s drive) is conceitedness and Shiva symbolises a robust thoughts.

Since Shiva held Ganga in his locks, he’s known as Gangadhar.

Here’s wishing everybody a really glad Maha Shivratri!