Devotees celebrate Maha Shivarathri
Temples throughout Ladysmith were beautifully decorated, in readiness to glorify Lord Shiva
Devotees at temples throughout Ladysmith celebrated Maha Shivarathri on Monday. Maha Shivarathri is an auspicious Hindu festival which is held to glorify Lord Shiva, and devotees celebrate with great enthusiasm.
On this day, devotees fast or perform spiritual meditation, following rituals to commemorate the festival and in order to be blessed with grace.
Temples throughout Ladysmith were beautifully decorated, in readiness to glorify Lord Shiva.
The festival, also known as ‘Shivratri’ or ‘The Great Night of Lord Shiva’, is observed on the 13th night / 14th day in the Krishna Paksha during the month of Phalguna or Maagh every year, according to the Hindu calendar.
There are various interesting legends related to the festival of Maha Shivaratri. According to one of the most popular legends, Shivaratri marks the wedding day of Lord Shiva and Parvati.
Some believe it was on the auspicious night of Shivaratri that Lord Shiva performed the ‘Tandava’ – the dance of the primal creation, preservation and destruction.
Another popular Shivratri legend in Linga Purana states that it was on Shivaratri that Lord Shiva manifested Himself in the form of a Linga. Hence the day is considered to be extremely auspicious by Shiva devotees and they celebrate it as Mahashivaratri, the grand night of Shiva.
