Varanasi/Ujjain, February 15, 2026: Today, the entire nation resonates with the chants of 'Har Har Mahadev.' Observed on the Chaturdashi of the Krishna Paksha in the month of Phalguna, the festival of Maha Shivratri holds profound spiritual significance. But do you know why this specific night is called the 'Great' (Maha) Night of Shiva? Several mythological legends and spiritual reasons are hidden behind it.
The most prominent reason for celebrating Maha Shivratri is the marriage of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. According to mythological legends, it was on this day that the ascetic Shiva renounced his deep meditation to enter householder life. After the self-immolation of Sati, Shiva had become introverted, but Mother Parvati's rigorous penance reunited Him with the world. This day symbolizes the perfect balance between chaos and peace.
According to another legend, Maha Shivratri is the day when Lord Shiva first manifested in the form of the 'Jyotirlinga.' To resolve a dispute over superiority between Brahma and Vishnu, Mahadev appeared as an endless pillar of fire (Jyotirlinga), which had no beginning and no end. This event proves that Mahadev is formless and infinite.
During the 'Samudra Manthan' (churning of the ocean), when the terrifying 'Halahal' poison emerged—threatening to destroy the entire universe—Mahadev consumed the poison to protect the world. The effect of the poison turned His throat blue, earning Him the name 'Neelkanth.' The deities stayed awake all night singing praises to Shiva to keep Him unaffected by the poison's heat. This is why devotees continue the tradition of night vigils (Jagran) even today.
From a spiritual perspective, on the night of Maha Shivratri, the Northern Hemisphere of the planet is positioned such that there is a natural upsurge of energy in a human being. Therefore, there is immense importance in staying awake with your spine erect during the night. It is the night of moving from the darkness of 'ignorance' toward the light of 'knowledge.'