The festival of Maha Shivaratri, meaning ‘The Great Night of Shiva’, is believed to have originated in the 5th century BC in honour of Lord Shiva- the most supreme deity in the Hindu religion.
Maha Shivaratri is celebrated within the month of Phalguna, which lies between February and March. Unlike most Hindu celebrations, Maha Shivaratri is celebrated after dark. Worshipers observe the feast by praying, fasting and presenting offerings, usually milk products, to Lord Shiva.
At Namaste, our indulgently creamy rice pudding flavoured with pistachio and cardamon and naturally sweetened with jaggery is worthy of any festival and provides the perfect ending to any meal.
We invite you to join us to enjoy the food of the gods.
Om Namah Shivaya! (‘I bow to you Lord Shiva’)
Maha Shivaratri – The Great Night of Shiva
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We believe that every culture can ignite excitement and awe, ensuring a word of colour, fun, energy and flavour.
What is Maha Shivaratri?
The festival of Maha Shivaratri, meaning ‘The Great Night of Shiva’, is believed to have originated in the 5th century BC in honour of Lord Shiva.
Who is Lord Shiva?
As the creator of the universe, Lord Shiva is seen by many as the most supreme deity in the Hindu religion.
What does the name Shiva mean?
Shiva means ‘The Auspicious One’, but he is also known as Mahadeva – ‘The Great God’.
When does Maha Shivaratri take place?
Maha Shivaratri is celebrated in accordance with the Hindu lunar calendar and takes place on the thirteenth or fourteenth day of the month of Phalguna, which lies between the Gregorian calendar’s February and March. Unlike most Hindu celebrations that occur during the day, Maha Shivaratri is celebrated after dark.
What does Maha Shivaratri commemorate?
Maha Shivaratri is often said to commemorate the wedding night of Lord Shiva and his consort, Parvati. This night is when Shiva, as Nataraja, the ‘lord of the dance’, performs the Anandatandava, or ‘dance of bliss’ for the very first time.
How do Hindus observe Maha Shivaratri?
Maha Shivaratri is of extreme spiritual significance and, unlike Lori or Holi, is seen as a more calming or solemn festival. Worshipers spend the evening chanting prayers, meditating, reflecting, fasting and presenting offerings to Lord Shiva.
Staunch followers show their devotion by staying awake throughout the night or making a pilgrimage to one of the twelve most auspicious Jyotirlingas, ‘pillars of light’, which are devotional representations of Lord Shiva situated throughout India.
How is Shiva depicted?
The god is normally depicted with a white, greyish or blue pallor as his skin is smeared with the ashes of those who have died to suggest that everything in time is reduced to dust. Vasuki, the serpent king, coils loosely around his neck along with a garland of skulls. A crescent moon rests on the right side of his head, while a third eye sits centrally on his forehead.
Shiva is usually seen with between four and six arms, holding a variety of symbols including a conch shell, lotus flower, drum, fire and trident.
Why are Hindu gods often adorned with a variety of items?
A range of physical traits and iconic symbols often reflect Hindu gods’ supernatural powers.
What do the symbols associated with Shiva mean?
Arms
Shiva’s multiple arms symbolise power and his ability to perform a variety of actions simultaneously. The two in front symbolise his presence in the human world, with the arms to the rear suggesting his presence within the spiritual realm.
Shankha (conch shell)
The conch shell symbolises creativity.
Vasuki (Serpent King)
Vasuki, the serpent king, is an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva. Often coiled three times around his neck, the snake represents the past, the present and the future.
Padma (lotus flower)
The lotus is associated with eternity, enlightenment, opportunity, fertility, divine beauty and good fortune. Lotus flowers are offered to Shiva by those who have been mean to others in the hope of being absolved of their sins.
Damru (drum)
The drum is said to have made the very first sounds of creation and continues to accompany the ongoing beat of the universe.
Agni (fire)
The fire that will destroy the universe before it is reborn and rebuilt.
Trishula (trident)
The trident represents the Trimurti and is seen as a sign of power and control.
In Hinduism, the Trimurti, or ‘Holy Trinity’, consists of Lord Shiva – ‘The Destroyer’, Brahma – ‘The Creator’ and Vishnu – ‘The Preserver’.
Legend suggests that Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu fought to win supremacy over each other, however Lord Shiva appeared in front of them in the form of a huge pillar of light cementing his position as supreme god.
Chandrashekhar (crescent moon)
The crescent moon represents the cyclical nature of the universe.
Ganga (River Ganges)
Meaning ‘knowledge’, the holy River Ganges, also viewed as a goddess, flows from his hair suggesting endless knowledge.
Abhayamudra (gesture of fearlessness)
A raised open hand with the palm facing outwards allays fear and provides reassurance. It suggests, ‘Be not afraid as those who follow the path of righteousness will have my blessing’.
Chinmudra (gesture of consciousness)
A hand resting on his lap or knee with the palm facing upward and the index finger touching the thumb to form a circle represents meditation and inner contemplation, symbolizing Shiva’s deep connection with spiritual awakening and self-realization.
What is the most popular Mantra to Lord Shiva?
The most used mantra to Shiva is ‘Om Namah Shivaya’, ‘I bow to you Lord Shiva’. If recited aloud 108 times every day, you will be blessed and your body purified by Shiva.
Are there different aspects to Shiva?
Shiva has many aspects, viewed as both benevolent and kind and, at the same time, fearsome. He is a slayer of demons while also Adiyogi – the patron of yoga and meditation.
Which foods are associated with Maha Shivaratri?
Milk products such as kheer are donated to Lord Shiva, while those fasting reduce their diets to milk or milk-based foods and desserts such as kheer – an Indian rice pudding with fruits, nuts and spices.
As milk products are associated with Lord Shiva, we invite you to join us to enjoy the food of the gods.
At Namaste, our indulgently creamy rice pudding flavoured with pistachio and cardamon and naturally sweetened with jaggery is worthy of any festival and provides the perfect ending to any meal.