Mahashivratri
is one of the largest and most significant sacred festivals of India. According
to Hindu mythology, Mahashivratri translates to the Great Night of Shiva
because it is the night when Mahadev performs his heavenly dance known as the
Tandav. It is also said to be the day that marks the marriage of Mahadev and
Devi Parvati. This year the festival will take place on March 1st.
To commensurate Mahashivratri celebrations, &TV's Baal Shiv artists
Aan Tiwari (Baal Shiv), Mouli Ganguly (Mahasati Anusuya), and
Siddharth Arora (Mahadev) talk about the significance and celebration of
the festival.
Conveying
his wishes on Mahashivratri, Aan Tiwari, essaying Baal
Shiv’s character, says, “Mahashivratri
Ki Shubh Kamanayein to everyone. Har Har Mahadev! Mahashivratri holds a very
special place in my heart as I am an ardent devotee of Mahadev. His blessing
has allowed me to portray Baal Shiv’s character in the show, and I can never be
more grateful. I always make it a point to visit the temple to give a sacred
bath to Shiva Linga with honey, milk, and water. The audience, too, has
showered me with their immense love and affection. People often greet and chant
‘Har Har Mahadev’ whenever they meet me, which itself is so beautiful and
powerful.”
Talking
about Mahashivratri celebrations viddhi, Mouli Ganguly, essaying Mahasati
Anusuya’s character, shares, “Mahashivratri
is one of the most revered and sacred festivals, celebrated across the country.
It is the darkest night of the month to celebrate the grace of Lord Shiva. It
is a night to self-realize introspect to overcome hurdles that hinder our
success and achieve spiritual growth. It is an opportunity to disperse
limitedness. In some regions, devotees celebrate Maha Shivratri in the morning
by observing a full day fast, eating the next day only after taking a bath.
While in other regions, ardent devotees observe a fast, perform Shiva puja
at Nishita Kaal
(midnight), and remain awake throughout the night. Some people even perform
puja during all four Parahars. Devotees visit the Shiva temple to offer tulsi,
Kumkum, bhang, dhatura flower, and bael leaves to Shiv Linga. The fast is
practised seeking the blessings of Lord Shiva and as a test of your
determination. Havana Abhishek is also performed in temples where devotees
gather and worship in huge numbers and take baths in the river Ganga.
Mahashivratri Ki Sabhi Ko Hardik Shubh Kamayein! I wish that Lord Shiva fills
into everyone his divine blessings to help in achieving their goals with truth,
purity, and divinity.”
Speaking
about the significance and history of Mahashivratri, Siddharth Arora, essaying Mahadev’s
character, shares, "Mahashivratri is believed to be the night of
convergence of Shiva and Shakti, which signifies the masculine and
feminine energies that balance the world. According to Hindu scriptures, this
is a sacred festival that reminds us to overcome darkness and
ignorance in life. As per my knowledge, different legends describe the
significance of Maha Shivratri in different ways, and according to one of them,
on this very night, Lord Shiv performs Tandav, the cosmic dance of
creation, preservation, and destruction. Some legends also say that on Maha
Shivratri, offerings of Lord Shiva’s icons can help devotees overcome and let
go of their sins and start on the path of positivity, allowing them to reach
Mount Kailash and achieve moksha (salvation). Coming from Shiv ki Nagri -
Varanasi and getting to essay Mahadev’s role is itself a huge blessing from
Lord Shiva to me. I have always been his ardent devotee, and this festival is
extremely significant and close to my heart. On Mahashivratri, I wish that may
Lord Shiva shower blessings on all and give power and strength to everyone
facing difficulties. Har Har Mahadev!
Tune to
watch Baal Shiv every Monday to Friday at 8:00 pm, only on &TV!
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