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According to the first legend, after Shiva's wife Sati immolated herself, she was reborn as Parvati. Parvati undertook severe penance to win over Shiva and was finally able to lure him into marriage through her devotion. Their marriage was sanctified a day before Amavasya in the month of Phalgun. This day of union of God Shiva and Parvati is celebrated as Mahashivratri every year.Another version of the same legend says that Parvati performed prayers on the auspicious moonless night of Shivaratri to ward off any evil that may befall her husband.
The second legend is of Samudra Manthan' refers to the battle between the devas and the asuras, when a pot of poison emerged out of the ocean. On the request of the gods, Shiva drank the poison, but it was so potent that it changed the colour of his neck to blue giving rise to him being referred to as NeelKanth. Shivaratri is the celebration the world being saved by Shiva.
Third legend around this auspicious occasion is that of the Shiva Linga. According to the story, Brahma and Vishnu searched hard to find the beginning and end of Lord Shiva. To help Brahma and Vishnu in their quest, Shiva manifested himself in the form of a Linga on the 14th day in the dark fortnight of the month of Phalguna hence this extremely auspicious day is celebrated as Maha Shivaratri.
Last but not the least is the legend of Ganga. According to this legend, Shiva held out his thick hair to help Ganga as she descended from heaven. Winding through Shiva's locks softened Ganga's journey to the earth, thereby making Ganga an essential part of Shiva.
Taking of from the first legend married women began the custom of praying for the well being of their husbands and sons on Shivaratri. Unmarried women pray for a husband like Shiva - the ideal husband. According to the Shiv Purana the must as Mahashivratri rituals are :Many observe a fast to mark this auspicious day and even night long vigils form a part of the celebratory rituals.
A dip in the holy river Ganges too forms a part of the celebrations
Chanting the mantra of Lord Shiva ,along with a visit to the temple or performing a special puja like the rudra-abhishek are other ways in which this auspicious day is observed May Lord Shiva bless you all on his special day !
Happy Maha-Shivratri !
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