Maha Shivratri 2020: Why do we celebrate the festival?

Every festival that we celebrate has legends associated with it. These legends tell us why they are symbolic and significant in our day to day life. The traditional Hindu calendar is full of auspicious days, as it focuses on the diverse practices and rituals that reflect people's faith in the various manifestations of divine power. Likewise, Maha Shivratri, a night dedicated to Lord Shiva, mirrors the unshakable faith of his devotees. This year, Maha Shivratri will be observed on February 21, and as devotees gear up to keep a fast, here's taking a look at why we celebrate the festival.

First, let us learn the stories associated with Maha Shivratri.

According to a popular belief, Maha Shivratri celebrates the union of Shiva and Shakti. To put things into perspective, let us understand that Shiva represents Purusha (mindfulness) while Devi Parvati epitomises Prakriti (nature). Creation and sustenance are only possible when we see an amalgamation of consciousness and energy. Hence, Maha Shivratri helps us understand the theory behind this fundamental principle of the Universe.

As per another story popularly associated with Maha Shivratri, Lord Brahma and Vishnu conceded defeat after indulging in a debate followed by a challenge. The story unfolds like this - The Hindu trinity of Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh (Shiva) are hailed as the Creator, Preserver and Destroyer respectively. One day, Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu got into a dispute over their sovereignty. Brahma hailed himself as the greatest while Vishnu echoed the same for himself. Lord Shiva knew that this discussion of one-upmanship could prove detrimental to the normal functioning of the Universe, and to restore normalcy and peace, he appeared in the form a beam of light.

Subsequently, he challenged Brahma and Vishnu to find the source and the end of the light. Vishnu accepted the challenge and transformed into a boar. He dug into the Earth, while Brahma took the form of a Swan and flew upwards. After a relentless search, Brahma asked the flower Ketaki to give false testimony. And after learning that Brahma lied about winning the challenge, Lord Shiva revealed himself. Vishnu gracefully conceded defeat while Brahma was punished for lying.

The moral of the story is this - pride, ego, and falsehood will never triumph, truth alone will. 

Maha Shivratri festivities celebrate these teachings in a way that helps devotees get closer to God who represents truth and surrender at his feet.