The festival of Mahashivaratri is celebrated on Chaturdashi of Falgun Krishna Paksha, every year. According to the scripture, Chaturdashi of every month was liked to lord Shiva but, Chaturdashi of Falgun month is very dear to him. Out of the three Guna that is Sattva Guna, Rajo Guna, Tamo Guna, the quantity of Tamo guna is more in night then day. Hence, lord chose Chaturdashi’s midnight of Falgun Krishna Paksha for the evolution of his Linga.

The significance of Mahashivaratri can be found in all the Purans. Garuda Purana, Padma Purana, Skanda Purana, Shiva Purana and Agni Purana, all describe the glory of Maha Shivaratri. There are many stories regarding Shivaratri festival but all of them have similar format and description. People observe fast and sing the glory of Shiva on this day. And, worship him with leaves of Bel. As per the ancient scriptures, there was no truth or dishonesty before creation of universe. There was only lord Shiva.

Maha Shivaratri Festival Importance

Festival of Shivaratri is not a mere presentation. Nor it is celebrated by seeing others. It is a great festival and hence, it is called Mahashivaratri. Shivaratri is also called Maha kal. Out of the three forms of God, one is worshipped on Mahashivaratri. Human being has got special boon of worshipping one form of lord in an easy manner on Mahashivaratri. Goswami Tulsidas made lord Ram speak about this festival.

"शिवद्रोही मम दास कहावा। सो नर सपनेहु मोहि नहिं भावा।"

Importance of this fast is described more in Shiva Sagar.

"धारयत्यखिलं दैवत्यं विष्णु विरंचि शक्तिसंयुतम। जगदस्तित्वं यंत्रमंत्रं नमामि तंत्रात्मकं शिवम।"

Meaning:- the one because of whom various powers, lord Vishnu and Brahma are seated in form of different God and Goddess. Because of whom the world exists. Who is Yantra, Mantra. I bow down to lord Shiva seated in form of this Tantra (system).

Mahashivaratri Astrological Importance

According to astrology, moon becomes debilitated on Chaturdashi. Moon does not have the strength to give energy to this earth. Hence, expression of mind also keep growing and falling like the arts of moon. At times, a person’s mind is very upset and he has to face many mental tensions. Moon increases the beauty of lord Shiva’s head. If a person wants to have the grace of moon, he should worship lord Shiva. Worshipping lord Shiva on every Masa Shivaratri makes moon strong. But, if the Puja can not be performed on every Masa Shivaratri, then Puja of Maha Shivaratri should be performed in a systematic manner.

Moreover till Mahashivaratri, Surya Dev also reaches Uttarayana. This is also a time of season change. Hence, this time period is considered auspicious. It is a time for welcoming the spring season. Spring season fills mind with joy and passion. Kamdev also develops during this time. The cupid emotions generated during this time can be controlled only by worshipping lord. It is best to worship lord Shiva during this time. According to astrology, the 12 Jyotirlinga have relation with the 12 Moon Sign.

It is said the Shivaratri is considered the best when it has the touch of Trayodashi, Chaturdashi and Amavasya date. There are many beliefs about Mahashivaratri. according to one of them, this day, lord Shiva was originated from Brahma in the form of a Rudra. Lord Shiva would have burnt the whole universe with his fierce third eye, while performing Tandav on Pradosh Date. Hence, it is called Maha Shivaratri.

Due to these reasons, Mahashivratri is considered to do welfare. Lord Shiva makes a link between destruction and resettlement of universe. Holocaust means sadness and reestablishment means happiness. According to astrology, lord Shiva is considered the giver of happiness. Therefore, various scriptures mention various ways of worshipping lord Shiva on Shivaratri. They also tell the significance of performing different rituals.

Lord Shiva Jyotirlinga in India

The 12 famous Jyotirlinga of lord Shiva are as follows

1. Viswanath, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh


2. Kedarnath, Uttar Pradesh


3. Vaijnath, Deogarh, Bihar


4. Omkar, Mammaleshwaram, Madhya Pradesh


5. Mahakalaswar, Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh


6. Somnath temple, Gujarat


7. Bhima Shankar, Dhakini, Maharashtra


8. Nageshwar, Darukavana, Maharashtra


9. Ghurmeshwar, Ellora, Maharashtra


10. Trimbakeshwar, Nashik, Maharashtra


11. Mallikarjun, Srisailam, Andra Pradesh


12. Rameshwaram, Tamil Nadu

12 Jyotirlinga and 12 Moon sign Relation

Various mythological saga can be found in ancient Purans and Granths about lord Shiva. There are many stories about Maha Shivaratri. Like Trishul, Damaru etc and lord Shiva is linked with 9 planets, Similarly the 12 Jyotirlingas are related to the 12 Moon signs. They are as follows:

Jyotirlinga	Moon sign
Somnath	Aries
Shrilaisha	Taurus
Mahakalaswar	Gemini
Omkareshwar	Cancer
Baidyanath Dham	Leo
Bhim Shanker	Virgo
Rameshwaram	Libra
Nageshwar	Scorpio
Vishwanath	Sagittarius
Trimbakeshwar	Capricorn
Kedarnath	Aquarius
Gurumeshwar	Pisces