Mahashivratri Story

Mahashivratri is a significant festival in Hindu culture, observed by devotees to attain spiritual liberation (moksha). It holds great religious importance, with several mythological stories explaining its origin and significance.

First Story: Once, Goddess Parvati asked Lord Shiva which fast could grant her ultimate devotion and virtue. Lord Shiva explained the significance of Mahashivratri, stating that the night of the Chaturdashi (fourteenth day) during the Krishna Paksha (waning moon) of the month of Phalguna pleases him greatly. Devotees believe that Lord Shiva is easily pleased on this day.

Second Story: Another story highlights the appearance of Lord Shiva in the form of a radiant Jyotirlinga (pillar of light as bright as millions of suns). According to the Eshaan Sanhita, once there was a dispute between Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma over their superiority. To resolve the conflict, Lord Shiva appeared as an infinite pillar of fire. Neither Lord Vishnu, who ventured to the depths of Patal Lok, nor Lord Brahma, who ascended to measure its height, could find its beginning or end. This realization humbled them, and their pride vanished. Lord Shiva then restored harmony. It is believed that this divine manifestation occurred on the night of Phalguna Krishna Chaturdashi, marking it as Mahashivratri.

Third Story: During the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan), both nectar and poison emerged. Seeing the pot of poison, the gods and demons were terrified, as the poison had the power to destroy the entire world. To save creation, the gods sought help from Lord Shiva. Shiva drank all the poison to protect the universe, but he did not swallow it. He held the poison in his throat, which turned blue, earning him the name "Neelkanth" (the one with a blue throat). This act of sacrifice is why people celebrate Mahashivratri, showing their gratitude to Lord Shiva for saving the world. It is believed that staying awake and worshipping Lord Shiva on Mahashivratri brings blessings, prosperity, and relief from life's troubles and sins.

Fourth Story: Once, Goddess Parvati asked Lord Shiva about the fast and worship that could easily grant his blessings to the creatures of the mortal world. Shiva narrated the story of Mahashivratri Vrat. In a small village, there lived a hunter named Chitrabhanu. He was cruel and committed many merciless acts, killing animals daily. He was unaware of Mahashivratri but was desperate for food for his hungry family one day. He wandered the forest searching for prey but found nothing and grew frustrated as night fell. Thinking animals might come to drink water, he waited near a pond beneath a Bael tree. Unknown to him, there was a Shivling under the tree. That night, during the first quarter of the night, a pregnant doe came to drink water. Chitrabhanu aimed his bow, but his movements caused water and Bael leaves to fall onto the Shivling, unknowingly completing the first worship of Shivji. Terrified, the doe pleaded for mercy, promising to return after giving birth. Chitrabhanu let her go. In the second quarter, another doe arrived, and again Chitrabhanu aimed to kill her. Water and Bael leaves fell on the Shivling once more, unknowingly completing the second worship. The doe begged Chitrabhanu to let her find her mate before returning, and he spared her too. In the third quarter, a doe with her fawns appeared. Chitrabhanu aimed again, and Bael leaves fell on the Shivling, completing the third worship. The doe begged Chitrabhanu to let her leave her fawns with their father before returning. He let her go as well. In the fourth quarter, a stag arrived, and Bael leaves fell on the Shivling again, completing the fourth worship. The stag revealed that the does were his wives, and killing him would prevent them from fulfilling their promises. Chitrabhanu spared the stag, and his heart underwent a transformation. Lord Shiva was pleased with Chitrabhanu’s unintended worship and appeared before him, granting him prosperity and liberation. Chitrabhanu attained moksha and a place in Shivlok after his death.