Download Two legends of Mahashivaratri

Religion: Hinduism
Founder: None
Place of Origination: In India around 1500 B.C.E. or earlier.
Text: Vedas, Upanishads Bhagavad Gita
Location in the world: India
Beliefs:
Perhaps the most well-known Hindu saying about religion is: "Truth is one; sages call it by
different names." Contrast this with other religons which have a specific creed and belief
system. Hindus see different paths and beliefs as all inclusive.
1. Reincarnation-The soul migrates from one body to another at the time of death.
2. Three main gods of Hinduism: Brahma-The creator of the universe, Vishnu-The preserver of
the universe, Shiva-The destroyer of the universe.
3. Cows are viewed as the source of food (dairy products) and a symbol of life.
4. Brahman: Ultimate reality.
5. Atman: Soul or self.
6. Karma: “Deeds” that are done in this life affecting the next. Bad karma can be cleansed by
participating in acts of devotion such as putting others first, pilgrimages to sacred sites, etc.
Holidays and Festivals (meaning behind them)
1. Diwali, meaning "row of lights" is a Hindu festival of lights lasting five days. For many Hindus,
Diwali is also New Year's Eve. Diwali is held on the final day of the Vikram calendar, a type of
Hindu calendar followed by North Indians.
2. Mahashivaratri is the Great Festival of Shiva. It is held on the 14th day of the dark half of the
lunar month of Phalguna. Temples dedicated to Shiva are filled with devotees offering prayers.
The Shiva linga at the temple or in one's home is bathed with milk, honey and water, and
offerings are made to Shiva in the form of Bilva leaves, fruits, and other specially prepared
foods. Offering Bilva leaves to Shiva on Mahashivaratri is considered especially favorable.
Hindus sing hymns and chant mantras. Some sit around a sacred fire and toss offerings of grain
into the flames while chanting to Shiva. After fasting and meditating throughout the day, a vigil
is held all night with continued prayers and meditation.
Shiva linga
Bilva leaves
Two legends of Mahashivaratri
Legend One: The popular legend of the Churning of the Ocean of Milk, in which
the gods inadvertantly unearthed a poison that threatened to destroy the world.
Shiva saved the day by drinking the poison, which accounts for his blue throat in
some Hindu art. It is said that Shiva was strong enough to handle the poison, but
he had to stay awake all night as part of his healing. The other gods helped get
him through the night by entertaining him with dances and other distractions.
This is commemorated on Mahashivaratri, when Shiva's followers keep him
company through the night.
Legend Two: Another legend tells the story of a hunter who climbed a Bilva tree
to escape a hungry lion. The lion sat down beneath the tree and waited for the
hunter to fall. As he waited in the tree all night, the hunter plucked leaves from
the Bilva tree to stay awake. The leaves, which are sacred to Shiva, fell on a Shiva
linga that happened to be at the base of the tree. Shiva was pleased by the
offering, inadvertant though it was, and saved the hunter. This event is
commemorated on Mahashivaratri by staying up all night and offering Bilva
leaves.