maha shivaratri pictures
Mahashivaratri lord shiva images
Maha-Shivaratri Lord Shiva wallpapers
The name Shivaratri means "the night of Shiva". The ceremony get place largely at night. Maha Shivaratri festival observed in respect of Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva was married to Parvati on this day.
People watch a strict fast on this day. Various devotees do not even take a drop of water. They stay vigil all night. The Lord Shiva Lingam is worshipped during the night by washing it every three hours with milk, curd, honey, rose water, etc., whilst the chanting of the Mantra Om Namah Shivaya continues. Offerings of bael leaves are made to the Lingam. Bael leaves are extremely sacred as, it is said, Lakshmi resides in them.
People watch a strict fast on this day. Various devotees do not even take a drop of water. They stay vigil all night. The Lord Shiva Lingam is worshipped during the night by washing it every three hours with milk, curd, honey, rose water, etc., whilst the chanting of the Mantra Om Namah Shivaya continues. Offerings of bael leaves are made to the Lingam. Bael leaves are extremely sacred as, it is said, Lakshmi resides in them.