“MahaShivratri Greetings” from the Co-Chairs, Directors, Trustees and Executive Committee of the Hindu Council UK

“MahaShivratri Greetings” from the Co-Chairs, Directors, Trustees and Executive Committee of the Hindu Council UK

“MahaShivratri Greetings” from the Co-Chairs, Directors, Trustees and Executive Committee of the Hindu Council UK

Festival of Mahashivratri is one of the most sacred festivals in the Hindu calendar. The festival has been accorded lot of significance in Hindu mythology. It says that a devotee who performs sincere worship of Lord Shiva on the auspicious day of Shivratri is absolved of sins and attains moksha.

Significance of Shivratri in Hinduism:

Festival of Mahashivratri has tremendous significance in Hinduism. According to sacred scriptures, ritual worship of Lord Shiva on Shivratri festival that falls on the 14th day of the dark fortnight in the month of Phalgun pleases Lord Shiva the most. This fact is said to have been declared by Lord Shiva himself, when his consort Parvati asked him as to which ritual performed by his devotees pleases him the most.

Even till date, devotees of Lord Shiva perform the ritual worship of Shivratri with care and devotion. They observe day and night fast and give sacred bath to Shiva Linga with honey, milk, water etc. Hindus consider it extremely auspicious to worship Lord Shiva on a Shivratri as it is believed that worship of Lord Shiva with devotion and sincerity absolves a devotee of past sins. The devotee reaches the abode of Lord Shanker and lives there happily. He is also liberated from the cycle of birth and death and attains moksha or salvation.

Significance of Shivratri for Women:

Mahashivratri Festival is also considered to be an extremely significant festival by women. Married and unmarried women observe fast and perform Shiva Puja with sincerity to appease Goddess Parvati who is also regarded as ‘Gaura’ – one who bestows marital bliss and long and prosperous married life. Unmarried women also pray for a husband like Lord Shiva who is regarded as the ideal husband.

As part of the worship some people recite the story of ‘the lost huntsman’ or the Amar katha. Please find English translation of the Amar katha:

on behalf of Hindu Council UK,
Mr Sanjay Jagatia
Director/Secretary General

Hindu Council UK