Shivaratri means not only the night of Lord Shiva but also the night of Lord Shiva. Shiva means Mars. Therefore, Shivaratri means Mangalaratri.
Legend has it that Shivratri was the night when Lord Shiva himself took over and drank the poison of a bullock that did not fall to the ground to destroy the whole world. Thus Lord Shiva not only saved the world from destruction but also gave Mangalam. Thus the meaning of the word Shivaratri as Mangalaratri becomes relevant. ‘Shivoham’ is at the heart of Saiva philosophy. It is the same Advaita thought that Shiva and I are one. Therefore, Shivratri also conveys the message that each of us must prepare ourselves to save the world from destruction.
Shivratri is celebrated on the day when the black Chaturdashi of the month of Magh falls at midnight. The Puranas, including the Shiva Purana and the Linga Purana, elaborate on the legends of the day of Shivaratri and the significance of Shivaratri fasting.
” Shivratrivratam Vakshya
Bhuktimuktipradam Srinu
മാഘഫാൽഗുനയോർമധ്യേ
Krishna Yatu Chaturdashi … ” says in the Puranas about Shivratri. Shivratri fast is observed on the black side of Chaturdashi, which falls after the beginning of the month of Magh and before the beginning of the month of Falguna. This fast brings all the blessings of bhukti in this world. The Puranas explain that it also gives liberation from suffering.
Legend has it that Lord Shiva himself took the poison of the world-destroying bull that arose when the Devasuras crossed the Palazhi for nectar and when he drank it, Goddess Parvati clung to her husband’s throat and stayed up all night praying. Thus, since Goddess Parvati stays up all night praying to God, it is believed that if one stays up all night praying to Lord Shiva on Shivratri, one will get Shiva’s pleasure.
” Garalam Tharalanalam Purastha –
Waterlogged bullock cart
അമരസ്തുതിവാദമോദനിഘ്നോ
This is also the story of the bull.
According to the Puranas, Lord Shiva should be worshiped on the day of Shivratri, avoiding food and sleep at night:
” Shivratrivratham Kurve
Quadrilateral meal
Night vigil
Poojayami Shivam Vrati ”
‘I worship Shiva by fasting all night without eating on Chaturdashi.’
In any case, fasting on Shivratri day and chanting Shiva Bhajan while awake is very sacred. Myths and legends say that the blessings of Lord Shiva, the Lord of the universe, will come through this.