Bangalore/Mangalore: All over Karnataka and South India, today is celebrated as Mahashivarathri Day with night long vigils, programmes and religious favour in Shiva temples with chants of Om Namah Shivaya, as in Kalahasti or ShriSaila. Shiva is regarded as representing Fire, as in Arunachala where Shiva appeared as fire between two gods arguing on superiority, by asserting his own Supremeacy. Shiva is another name for Mangala (auspicious happiness) according to Rig and Yajur Veda texts of eulogy to the creator. Shiva is known as Rudra (angry) and Kala (Time that ends everything). He has a third eye that spits fire.
Shiva is known as Mrityunjaya. The Maha Shivarathri is the night best liked and blessed by Lord Shiva when devotees observe fasting and continue to pray all night for Shiva’s mercy and love. He is a Dravidian God, even accepted by Aryans of the North India. His temples are spread all over India, from Somnath to Rameshwar, from Mount Kailas and Amarnath Cave to Assam Kamakhya Temple.
As Rudra, he does not allow crying as he is present in all things, especially on tonight’s religious ceremonies in his honour.
Shiva says the ruffians should always be punished, never protected since they do not submit to persuation (Saama). Shiva accepts married life for householders as necessary to bring about fabulous wealth and happiness. When he lost Gowri, he married Parvathi in her re-incarnation as a princes. He helped the Devas to control Demons like Mahishasura. The Union of man and women in a household is on the basis of equality and a sense of responsibility, Shiva tells Parvathi in their mutual conversations on Mount Kailas.
Every 14th day before Dark Moon (Amavasya) day is Shivarathri, but the Magha Bahula Chaturdashi is regarded as the greatest most blessed to Shaivas as the Mahashivarathri Day, when state Govt. allows a holyday for devotees. Shiva worship is done to Phallus (Linga) maintained on a pedestal of yoni for Abhisheka (bath) and décor.
The night indicates Shiva’s better half, PArvathi. The Mahashivarathri is totally different from all religious festivals standing for fasting, cleanliness, concentration on Shiva worship.
On the night of sacred celebrations, Pujas takes place every 3 hours from 6pm to 6am in four parts. The body and mind are purified and begin to shine bright, science claims. Select eatables like cashew nuts, honey, fruits are offered to Lord Shiva by worshippers.