Maadha Sivarathiri

Masa Sivaratri (Masik Sivaratri)

Masa Sivaratri or Masik Sivaratri is a monthly observance dedicated to Lord Shiva, the supreme deity of Hinduism. It is celebrated on the 14th day (Chaturdashi) of every lunar month's dark fortnight (Krishna Paksha). It is a day of fasting, worship, and devotion to Lord Shiva and his consort Goddess Parvati.

Significance of Masa Sivaratri (Masik Sivaratri)

Masa Sivaratri or Masik Sivaratri is a day that commemorates the eternal bond between Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati married on this day after a long time of courtship and penance. Their marriage symbolizes the union of the male and female energies of the universe, as well as the harmony of the opposites.

Masa Sivaratri or Masik Sivaratri is also a day that celebrates the power and grace of Lord Shiva. According to Hindu scriptures, Lord Shiva performed the cosmic dance of creation, preservation, and destruction on this day. His dance represents the cycle of life and death, as well as the rhythm and balance of nature.

Masa Sivaratri or Masik Sivaratri is also a day that honors the devotion and sacrifice of Lord Shiva's devotees. According to Hindu legends, many sages, saints, and ascetics attained salvation and enlightenment by observing Masa Sivaratri or Masik Sivaratri Vratam. Some of them are:

• Markandeya: He was a young boy who was destined to die at the age of 16. He worshipped Lord Shiva with utmost faith and devotion. When the god of death, Yama, came to take his life, Lord Shiva appeared and saved him by killing Yama with his trident. He also blessed Markandeya with immortality and eternal youth.
• Nandi: He was a bull who was cursed by a sage to become a stone. He prayed to Lord Shiva with sincere repentance and devotion. Lord Shiva was pleased with his prayer and freed him from the curse. He also made him his loyal mount and gatekeeper.
• Ganga: She was a river goddess who was trapped in the matted locks of Lord Shiva. She wanted to descend to the earth to purify the souls of the ancestors of King Bhagiratha. She worshipped Lord Shiva with genuine adoration and devotion. Lord Shiva was moved by her worship and released her from his hair in seven streams.

Legends of Masa Sivaratri (Masik Sivaratri)

There are several legends associated with Masa Sivaratri or Masik Sivaratri. The most popular one is the story of the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan). According to this legend, the gods and demons decided to churn the ocean of milk (Ksheera Sagara) to obtain the nectar of immortality (Amrita). They used Mount Mandara as the churning rod and Vasuki, the king of serpents, as the churning rope. They took turns to pull Vasuki from both ends.

However, as they churned the ocean, many poisonous substances emerged, such as Kalakuta, Halahala, etc. These substances threatened to destroy all life on Earth. The gods and demons were terrified and sought refuge in Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva agreed to help them and swallowed all the poison from the ocean. However, he did not swallow it completely but held it in his throat. This turned his throat blue and earned him the name Neelakantha (the blue-throated one).

To thank Lord Shiva for saving the world, the gods and demons offered him various gifts and praises. They also observed a fast and worshiped him throughout the night. This night came to be known as Masa Sivaratri or Masik Sivaratri.

Important festivals associated with Masa Sivaratri (Masik Sivaratri)

Masa Sivaratri or Masik Sivaratri is a single-day observance and a part of several festivals celebrated yearly in honor of Lord Shiva. Some of these festivals are:

• Maha Shivaratri: This is the most important and grand festival dedicated to Lord Shiva. It falls on the 14th day (Chaturdashi) of the dark fortnight (Krishna Paksha) of the month of Phalguna (February-March). It marks the anniversary of Lord Shiva's marriage to Goddess Parvati and his cosmic dance of creation, preservation, and destruction. It is also the night when Lord Shiva performed the Rudra Tandava, the dance of fury and destruction, to destroy the evil forces. Devotees observe a strict fast and worship Lord Shiva with milk, water, honey, flowers, fruits, bilva leaves, etc. They also chant the sacred mantra "Om Namah Shivaya" and recite the Shiva Purana and the Shiva Sahasranama. They also perform the Shiva Linga Puja and the Shiva Abhisheka with great devotion and reverence.
• Pradosha Vrata: This is a fortnightly observance that falls on the 13th day (Trayodashi) of both the bright fortnight (Shukla Paksha) and the dark fortnight (Krishna Paksha) of every lunar month. It is a day when Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati are in a happy and playful mood. It is also a day when Lord Shiva grants all the wishes of his devotees. Devotees fast and worship Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati with sandalwood paste, flowers, incense, lamps, etc. They also perform the Pradosha Puja and the Pradosha Aarti with joy and gratitude.
• Shivaratri Vrata: This daily observance falls on every night (Ratri) of every lunar month. It is a day when Lord Shiva is awake and alert throughout the night. It is also a day when Lord Shiva bestows his blessings and protection on his devotees. Devotees worship Lord Shiva with water, milk, curd, ghee, honey, sugar, etc. They also sing hymns and songs praising Lord Shiva and meditate on his form and attributes.

Benefits of observing Masa Sivaratri (Masik Sivaratri)

Observing Masa Sivaratri or Masik Sivaratri has many benefits for the devotees. Some of these benefits are:

• It invokes the blessings of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati for prosperity, happiness, and peace.
• It purifies the mind, body, and soul from all sins and impurities.
• It grants health, wealth, success, and longevity.
• It fulfills all the desires and wishes of the devotees.
• It removes all the obstacles and difficulties from the path of the devotees.
• It bestows the knowledge, wisdom, and enlightenment on the devotees.
• It liberates the devotees from the cycle of birth and death.

Astrological Significance of Masa Sivaratri (Masik Sivaratri)

The moon is an important symbol and element in Hinduism, especially concerning Lord Shiva. The moon represents the mind, emotions, creativity, and intuition. The moon also influences the tides, seasons, and cycles of life.

Lord Shiva is often depicted with a crescent moon on his forehead, which signifies his control over the mind and emotions. The crescent moon also symbolizes his grace, compassion, and benevolence. The crescent moon is also associated with the goddess Parvati, the consort of Lord Shiva and the mother of Ganesha and Kartikeya.

Masik Shivaratri or Masa Shivaratri falls on the 14th day (Chaturdashi) of every lunar month's dark fortnight (Krishna Paksha). This is the night when the moon is at its weakest and smallest phase. Masa Sivratri is also the night when Lord Shiva swallowed the poison that emerged from the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan) and saved the world from destruction.

The relationship between the moon and Masik Shivaratri is based on the belief that fasting and worshipping Lord Shiva on this night can overcome the moon's adverse effects on one's mind and emotions. One can attain peace, calmness, and clarity of thought by meditating on Lord Shiva. By chanting the sacred mantra "Om Namah Shivaya," one can invoke the power and protection of Lord Shiva. One can please Lord Shiva and receive his blessings by performing the Shiva Linga Puja and the Shiva Abhisheka with water, milk, honey, etc.

Observing Masik Shivaratri or Masa Shivaratri can strengthen one's bond with Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. One can also express gratitude and devotion to them for their love and mercy. One can also seek guidance and support for spiritual growth and worldly success. Masik Shivaratri or Masa Shivaratri is an excellent opportunity to connect with Lord Shiva and the moon positively and meaningfully. It is a time to purify one's mind, body, and soul from all sins and impurities. It is a time to fulfill one's desires and wishes with Lord Shiva's grace. It is a time to liberate oneself from the cycle of birth and death with Lord Shiva's mercy.

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