Maha Shivaratri in Nepal

When did the Maha Shivaratri in Nepal start?

The first recorded date of Maha Shivaratri in Nepal being celebrated on February 18 was in the year 1500 BC.

About Maha Shivaratri in Nepal Festival

Maha Shivaratri, known as the Great Night of Shiva, is one of the most revered festivals in Nepal. It is a joyous celebration that honors Lord Shiva, the powerful Hindu deity known as the destroyer of evil and the transformer of the universe. This sacred holiday falls on the 14th day of the Hindu lunar calendar's dark fortnight, usually in the month of February or March.

Nestled in the majestic Himalayas, Nepal is the perfect destination to experience the vibrant and spiritual celebration of Maha Shivaratri. As the country's most important religious festival, it draws pilgrims and devotees from all over the world to participate in the intricate rituals and enchanting ceremonies. From colorful processions to soul-stirring prayers and enchanting folk dances, you will be enraptured by the energy and fervor of this cultural extravaganza. The streets are lit up with vibrant decorations, and the air is filled with the sweet smell of incense and the melodious chanting of mantras, creating a truly otherworldly atmosphere. Join us in Nepal for an unforgettable journey into the heart of Hindu tradition and a deeper understanding of spirituality.

Key Takeaways:

• Maha Shivaratri is a major Hindu festival celebrated in Nepal.
• The holiday is dedicated to Lord Shiva, the destroyer and transformer in Hindu mythology.
• The celebrations include fasting, prayers, and offerings to Lord Shiva.

History and Origin:

Maha Shivaratri, which means “Great Night of Shiva,” is a Hindu festival celebrated annually in Nepal and other parts of the world. The holiday is dedicated to Lord Shiva, one of the principal deities in Hinduism. It is celebrated on the 14th day of the dark fortnight in the Hindu month of Phalgun, which falls between February and March in the Gregorian calendar.

The origin of Maha Shivaratri can be traced back to ancient Hindu scriptures and myths. According to legend, Lord Shiva and his consort Parvati were married on this day. It is believed that on this auspicious day, Lord Shiva performed the Tandava, a cosmic dance of creation and destruction. Another legend states that Lord Shiva consumed poison to protect the universe, which turned his throat blue, hence the name “Neelkanth” or blue-throated. This day is also considered the night when Lord Shiva performs the cosmic dance of creation, preservation, and destruction.

Over time, Maha Shivaratri has become more than just a celebration of Lord Shiva’s marriage or his cosmic dance. It has evolved into a festival that symbolizes the triumph of good over evil, light over darkness, and knowledge over ignorance.

Significance and Meaning:

Maha Shivaratri holds great cultural and spiritual significance for Hindus. Devotees believe that by fasting and offering prayers to Lord Shiva on this day, they will be blessed with health, wealth, and prosperity. The festival is also seen as a reminder to individuals to let go of their ego, anger, and attachments and embrace inner peace and spiritual awakening.

For Shaivites, followers of Lord Shiva, Maha Shivaratri is a day to praise and honor their deity. It is believed that by worshipping Lord Shiva on this day, one can attain moksha or liberation from the cycle of birth and death. The festival is also seen as a celebration of the divine bond between Lord Shiva and Parvati and their teachings of love, sacrifice, and devotion.

Symbols and Decorations:

Maha Shivaratri is celebrated with great fervor and zeal, and the festivities are reflected in the decorations and symbols associated with the holiday. The most prominent symbol is the lingam, representing Lord Shiva’s divine energy and cosmic power. Devotees decorate the lingam with flowers, milk, honey, and water on this auspicious day. Other decorations include colorful lights, diyas (oil lamps), and brightly colored fabrics and flowers.

Symbols associated with Lord Shiva, such as the trishul (trident), damru (drum), and snake, are also commonly seen during the celebrations. Devotees may also wear Rudraksha beads, which are said to be Lord Shiva’s tears, as a form of protection and blessing.

Traditions and Celebrations:

The celebrations of Maha Shivaratri vary across Nepal, but the most common tradition is fasting. Many Hindus observe a strict fast, where they abstain from consuming grains, alcohol, meat, and other indulgences. Some may also choose to fast with fruits, milk, and other liquids.

Devotees visit temples and offer prayers to Lord Shiva, usually starting at dusk and continuing through the night. The main puja (worship) of the night is performed in the wee hours of the morning with the chanting of mantras, offering of incense, and ringing of bells. Devotees also apply holy ash (vibhuti) to their foreheads, symbolizing the burning of impurities and the attainment of spiritual purity.

In some parts of Nepal, celebrations include cultural events, processions, and musical performances. The holiest and most prominent celebration of Maha Shivaratri takes place at the Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu, where thousands of devotees gather to seek blessings from Lord Shiva.

Food and Cuisine:

One of the main highlights of Maha Shivaratri celebrations in Nepal is the traditional cuisine prepared for the festival. As fasting is a significant tradition, most dishes are vegetarian and prepared without onion and garlic, which are considered to be tamasic (impure) foods in Hinduism.

One traditional dish is “sattu,” which is made of roasted gram flour and mixed with sugar, milk, and dried fruits. Another popular dish is “phirni,” a sweet rice pudding made with milk, rice, and saffron. Devotees may also prepare “vilwa lehyam,” a sweet and spicy jam made from the vilwa (bael) fruit, which is believed to be Lord Shiva’s favorite fruit.

Attire and Costumes:

On Maha Shivaratri, devotees typically wear new or clean clothes, preferably in white or other light-colored fabrics. Women may choose to wear traditional sarees or salwar kameez, while men may don dhoti and kurta or western attire. Some devotees may also wear saffron-colored clothes, which are associated with Lord Shiva.

As for costumes, many devotees dress up as Nataraja, the cosmic dancer form of Lord Shiva. Men may wear a Nataraja-inspired shirt, and women may wear a saree with Nataraja’s image. Children may also dress up as little yogis or Shiva and Parvati.

Music and Songs:

Throughout the night, devotees offer prayers and sing devotional hymns dedicated to Lord Shiva. The most famous song associated with Maha Shivaratri is “shiva shiva shiva shambho,” which is an ode to Lord Shiva’s many names. Other traditional songs include “hari hari shankara,” “om namah shivaya,” and “saware ke sar se,” which tells the story of Parvati and Shiva’s divine union.

Geographical Spread:

Maha Shivaratri is celebrated throughout Nepal, with the biggest gatherings and celebrations taking place in Kathmandu, the capital city. It is also celebrated in other parts of the world, including India, Mauritius, and the United States, where there is a significant Hindu population.

In different regions of Nepal, there may be slight variations in traditions, customs, and celebrations. For example, in Kathmandu, there is a popular tradition of lighting bonfires to symbolize the end of winter and the arrival of spring, while in rural areas, devotees may dance and play drums throughout the night.

Modern-Day Observations:

In modern times, Maha Shivaratri has become more commercial, with businesses using the festival for marketing purposes. There are also modern adaptations, such as creating digital puja services for those who cannot attend the temple in person. However, the significance and traditional celebrations remain an essential part of the holiday for devotees.

Interesting Facts or Trivia:

• The Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu, Nepal, is considered one of the holiest places of worship for Hindus and the main site of Maha Shivaratri celebrations.
• Maha Shivaratri marks the end of winter and the beginning of spring in Nepal. In ancient times, it was considered a festival to celebrate the arrival of good weather and the start of the farming season.
• In Nepal, the government declares Maha Shivaratri as a public holiday, and schools and offices are closed for the day.
• According to Hindu mythology, Lord Shiva spends the night of Maha Shivaratri blessing and protecting his devotees.
• The celebration of Maha Shivaratri can be traced back to the Vedic period, making it one of the oldest Hindu festivals.

Legends and Myths:

There are many legends and myths associated with Maha Shivaratri, each with its significance and meaning. One popular legend tells the story of a hunter who accidentally killed a deer that was a devotee of Lord Shiva. In his last moments, the deer requested the hunter to offer its meat to Lord Shiva and the deer’s family. The hunter did as he was told and was blessed by Lord Shiva, who gave him a place in heaven.

Another popular myth is that of Lord Shiva consuming poison during the churning of the cosmic ocean to save the universe from destruction. It is believed that the poison turned his throat blue, hence the name “Neelkanth” or blue-throated.

Social and Economic Impact:

Maha Shivaratri has a significant impact on the social and economic fabric of Nepal. As it is a major holiday, businesses, schools, and government offices close for the day, resulting in a day off for many Nepalis. This allows people to spend time with their families and participate in the celebrations.

There is also an economic impact, as many devotees buy new clothes, decorations, and offer donations to temples. The tourism industry also benefits from the influx of tourists during this time.

Holiday Wishes:

• May Lord Shiva bless you with health, happiness, and prosperity on the auspicious occasion of Maha Shivaratri.
• Wishing you a blessed Maha Shivaratri. May Lord Shiva’s divine energy guide you on the path of knowledge and inner peace.
• May the cosmic dance of Lord Shiva inspire you to let go of negativity and embrace spiritual awakening. Happy Maha Shivaratri!
• May you and your loved ones be showered with blessings from Lord Shiva on Maha Shivaratri.
• Wishing you a wonderful celebration of Maha Shivaratri filled with love, light, and joy.

Holiday Messages:

• May the blessings of Lord Shiva be with you always. Happy Maha Shivaratri!
• On this Maha Shivaratri, let us come together to celebrate the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness.
• May the essence of Maha Shivaratri guide you towards enlightenment and inner peace. Happy celebrations!
• As we offer prayers to Lord Shiva on Maha Shivaratri, let us remember the importance of shedding our ego and embracing love and unity.
• On this auspicious day of Maha Shivaratri, may you be blessed with the strength and courage to overcome all obstacles in life.

Holiday Quotes:

• “Oh Lord of Mercy, Shiva, protect us on this night of Maha Shivaratri, and bless us with your divine energy.” – Unknown
• “There is nothing as pure as the blessings of Lord Shiva on this Maha Shivaratri.” – Unknown
• “The mind becomes clear and tranquil when it is filled with the vibration of the Maha Shivaratri.” – Unknown
• “Lord Shiva is the ultimate source of inspiration, courage, and wisdom.” – Unknown
• “On Maha Shivaratri, let us remember that we are all part of the cosmic dance of creation, preservation, and destruction.” – Unknown

Other Popular Holiday Info:

Maha Shivaratri is famously known as the “night of Lord Shiva” and is considered one of the most significant and auspicious festivals in Nepal. Along with the Pashupatinath Temple, other important places of worship include the Doleshwar Mahadev Temple and the Guhyeshwari Temple. In Nepal, Maha Shivaratri is a time of great joy, celebration, and spiritual renewal for Hindus.

FAQ:

Q: When is Maha Shivaratri celebrated in Nepal?

A: Maha Shivaratri is celebrated on the 14th day of the dark fortnight in the Nepali month of Phalgun, which falls between February and March in the Gregorian calendar.

Q: What is the significance of Maha Shivaratri?

A: Maha Shivaratri is considered a time of spiritual awakening, where devotees seek blessings from Lord Shiva for health, wealth, and prosperity.

Q: How is Maha Shivaratri celebrated in Nepal?

A: Maha Shivaratri is celebrated with fasting, prayers, and offerings to Lord Shiva. Many devotees visit temples, light diyas, and sing devotional songs throughout the night.

Q: What are some traditional dishes prepared for Maha Shivaratri?

A: Some traditional dishes for Maha Shivaratri include “sattu,” “phirni,” and “vilwa lehyam,” which are all vegetarian and prepared without onion and garlic.

Q: Is Maha Shivaratri a public holiday in Nepal?

A: Yes, the Nepali government has declared Maha Shivaratri as a public holiday, and schools and offices are closed for the day.

Conclusion:

Maha Shivaratri, also known as the Great Night of Shiva, is a significant Hindu festival celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion in Nepal. The holiday holds immense cultural and spiritual importance as it symbolizes the triumph of good over evil, light over darkness, and knowledge over ignorance. As we celebrate Maha Shivaratri, let us remember the teachings of Lord Shiva and strive towards inner peace, unity, and spiritual awakening.

How to Say "Maha Shivaratri in Nepal" In Different Languages?