VARANASI, INDIA, February 24, 2017: The annual festival in honor of God Shiva, Maha Shivaratri, is celebrated in the dark fortnight or Krishna Paksha on the 13th day or the 14th night of Phalguna or Maagha month (February or March). This year, Maha Shivaratri 2017 will be celebrated on Friday, February 24. Maha Shivaratri, the most significant festival for millions of Lord Shiva devotees, will be celebrated with grandeur at Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi. One of the 12 Jyotirlingas, the holiest of Shiva temples, Shri Kashi Vishwanath, is visited by a large number of Shiva worshippers from India and across the globe for Shiva Darshan.
The Shiva devotees who cannot visit Kashi in person can watch Maha Shivaratri 2017 Aarti Live online as the official website provides live streaming of Darshan from Varanasi. The Aarti will begin at 3.00 am and continue till 11.00 pm. Go to: http://dic.mp.nic.in/ujjain/mahakal/common_forms/live_darshan.aspx.
Kashi Vishwanath Temple situated on the banks of holy river Ganga is one of the most famous temples in India. The sacred Jyotirlinga shrine is also known as the Golden temple dedicated to the Lord Shiva. The main Deity is known by the name Vishwanatha or Vishweshwara meaning Ruler of the universe. During the occasion of Maha Shivaratri, there is an atmosphere of fervor and joy in the city of Varanasi.
On the auspicious day of Maha Shivaratri, devotees observe fast and keep vigil all night. It marks the night when Lord Shiva performed the Tandava or the dance of creation, preservation and destruction.
On Maha Shivaratri, the Shiva devotees observe fast and offer fruits, flowers and bel leaves on Shiva Linga. They offer prayers, sing shlokas, chant mantras, with the sacred Om Namah Shivaya repeated with the pure heart. The festival marks the great spiritualism among the Shiva Bhakts who seek the greatest of god’s blessings.