Maha Shivaratri

Maha Shivaratri means "The Night of Shiva". The ceremonies take place chiefly at night. This is a festival observed in honour of Lord Shiva. This festival celebrates the marriage Shiva and Parvati. This is the night when Shiva is said to have performed the Tandava or the dance of primordial creation, preservation and destruction. Devotees chant the Panchakshara Mantra as it is said he who utters the Names of Shiva during Shivaratri, with perfect devotion and concentration is freed from all sins. He reaches the abode of Shiva and lives there happily. He is liberated from the cycle of births and deaths. Many pilgrims flock to the places where there are Shiva temples.