This is a special Hindu celebration to Shiva, the Hindu lord of destruction. It is the most important festival for millions of devotees of Lord Shiva and is considered a special day for spiritual growth. According to Hindu mythology and the sacred scriptures, it is said that a devotee who performs sincere worship of Lord Shiva on the day of Shivratri is absolved of all their sins of the past and attains salvation, (moksha) and are released of the life, death, rebirth cycle. They may then live in the house of Shiva happily ever after. (Not unlike Buddhists attaining Nivarna and Catholics btaining absolution, through confession of their sins, so they may rest in peace in heaven for eternity.

Married and unmarried women will fast to appease Goddess Parvati (wife of Shiva) so she may bestow a happy, long and prosperous married life. Unmarried women pray for a husband like Lord Shiva who is regarded as the ideal husband. Women especially consider this to be an extremely significant festival.

What People Do

There are six significant rituals that should be used while performing Maha Shivratri puja. 

Offering fruit while worshiping represents the fulfilment of desires and longevity.
Burning Incense sticks is a symbol of wealth.
Betel leaves depict satisfaction from worldly desires.
Lamp lightning epitomises attainment of wisdom and knowledge.
To purify the soul bathing with water, milk and bel leaves this is known as Shivalingam
Anointing with vermilion after the bath is a symbol of virtue.

If you are interested in spiritual growth then today is a good day to commit to a spiritual growth training course.

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