In today’s post let us see few unique aspects of Maha Shivarathri, Maha Shivarathri is the only time when God Shiva takes rest; he rests for a ‘Prahar’ (unit of time) a day is divided into eight prahars, making each prahar equivalent to three hours. In the night, when God Shiva takes rest, the gathering of ‘Shiva Tatava’ (Shiva principle) stops that is God Shiva goes to a meditative state.

God Shiva meditates, when he is gripped in his spiritual practice. One of the popular legends of Shivarathiri explains why people stay awake all night on Maha Shivarathri and also why God Shiva is known as Neelakantha. During Samudra Manthan, an urn filled with poison appeared.

This urn brought in a fear among the Gods and evil spirits, as this poison might ruin the whole world. God Shiva was asked for help in order to save the whole world, God Shiva drank the whole poison and held it in his throat with the help of the serpent around his neck, which is why his throat turned blue and he was named Neelkantha. God Shiva saved the entire world therefore we celebrate Maha Shivarathri.

Unique significance of Bilvapatra or Vilvam (Bel leaves)

Interestingly among the leaves, Bilvapatra or Vilvam is the most important for God Shiva, this trifoliate leaves signifies God Shiva’s three eyes and the three spokes of God Shiva’s Trishul. These leaves have a cooling effect, which is why it is offered to Shivalinga to appease this hot-tempered deity.

Chanting ‘Om Namah Shivaya’ and offering Bilvapatra to the Shiva Linga or Shivapindi is known as Bilvarchan. It is said that the devotees generally offer bilvapatra until the Shiva Linga Or Shivapindi is completely covered.

For the largest listings of God Shiva temples visit – http://bit.ly/1fAHZCV

Chant this powerful sloka to invoke the blessings of God Shiva