Shivratri,
or Mahashivratri, is the most auspicious day
dedicated to Lord Shiva and is popularly known as the night of Siva. In
Panchangs and Hindu calendars followed in Australia, United States, United
Kingdom (Britain) and Canada. This holy night
of Shiva is observed on the night before ‘amavasya’ in the Hindu month of
Phalgun (February – March) as per traditional Hindu calendar followed in North
India. The corresponding period in other regions is the night before Magh
Amavasya.
Planetary Position on Shivaratri Night
It is believed that the
planetary positions align in such a way on Shivratri night that it naturally
creates an upsurge of energy in the human system. This is also why
traditionally it is known to be beneficial both physically and spiritually to
stay awake and aware through the night.
Shivratri and Amavasya (No Moon)
The significance of Shivratri is closely associated with ‘amavas’ - the no moon night or full dark night as per traditional Hindu Calendar. Amavas symbolically represents Kaliyuga or spiritual ignorance. Lord Shiva appeared just before the beginning of Kaliyuga to rid the world of evil and ignorance. Therefore Shivratri is celebrated to get rid of evil and ignorance.
It must be noted here that Shivratri is observed during Phalgun month in North India. The corresponding month in Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh is Magh Month.
There is also a Masa Shivratri which is observed on thirteenth day of Krishna Paksha (waning phase of the moon) in all traditional Hindu months.