Mahashivratri: The History Behind The Festival

Why Do We Celebrate Mahashivratri?

Some people are of the view that Mahashivratri is celebrated because it is on this day Lord Shiva and Maa Parvati got married, and the festival is celebrated to mark their holy union. 

Some are of the view that Mahashivratri marks the day when Lord Shiva drank the poison from the ocean to protect humankind from all evil spirits, darkness, and negativity. This is the reason why he was called Neelkanth. 

Some are of the view that Lord Shiva incarnated as Lord Rudra on the midnight of Mahashivratri, and performed the dance of creation, preservation, and destruction which was known as the Rudra Tandav amidst Lord Shiva’s devotees. Mahashivratri is one of the famous festivals in India celebrated with great zeal.

No matter what is the story behind Mahashivratri or why we celebrate Mahashivratri, altogether it is a celebration of the powers of Lord Shiva, who is the epitome of energy and power.