October 15 Is Masik Shivaratri; Know Its Meaning, History And Significance

On October 15, India will be celebrating the Masik Shivaratri. It occurs on the 14^th day of every month and on the day of Krishna Paksha or the night when the moon is fading to disappear on the new moon day. Subsequently, October 16 will be the new moon day. It is an auspicious day in Hindu lunar calendar when the devotees worship Lord Shiva. Etymologically Masik Shivaratri means Night of Lord Shiva that occurs every month.

How Is It Celebrated?

On this day devotees worship Lord Shiva or Shiva Linga in temples with various offerings. One of the popular traditions of this day is to apply ash on the forehead, light diyas and incense sticks to please Lord Shiva and get his blessings. Chanting “Om Namah Shivaye” throughout the day is considered auspicious and a medium to alleviate all pain, miseries and stress.

Why Is It Significant?

The festival is significant for various reasons. Like many other festivals, Masik Shivaratri is also celebrated in order to seek divine blessings of happiness, prosperity, spirituality, liberty and enlightenment. It is also observed by the devotees to learn to control their senses and hostile emotions of anger, jealousy and greed as many delve into holy meditation on this day. The festival is usually observed by both men and women devotees. What also makes this occasion significant is the belief that people who want to get married soon or are looking for their partners should observe the fast to get their wishes fulfilled.

Also Read: October 13 Is Parama Ekadashi. Know Its Meaning And Significance

Four Types Of Shivaratri

According to Skandha Purana, there are four types of Shivaratri observed in Hindu religion. All are celebrated with the almost similar ritualistic worship of Lord Shiva. The first is Nitya Shivaratri which is observed daily. Second is Masik Shivaratri, third is Magha Shivaratri observed in the month of Magha (January/February). The fourth and the main is Maha Shivaratri which occurs on the 14th day of Magha Shivaratri.

The History/Myth Behind The Festival

It is believed that on this day, Lord Shiva appeared in the form of linga and hence the day has been signified as the birth day of Lord Shiva or the Shiva Linga. The Shiva Linga was first worshipped by Lord Vishnu and Brahma and the tradition is being continued till today.

There is another story corroborating the importance of the day. It is believed that on this day during Samudra Manthan (churning of ocean that took place when God and Asuras were at war), Lord Shiva swallowed all the poison and held it in his throat, making it blue. Hence he is addressed as Neelkanth.

Besides, it is also believed that on Shivaratri, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati got married.

The Festival From A Feminist Lens

Everything was just fine with the festival until the introduction of the narrative of marriage. By legitimising worship of God to find a suitable match, the idea of courtship becomes unimportant. It is a very common belief in Indian society that every person comes with a pre-defined match somewhere in the world. But marriage isn’t about seeking a blessing but about building mutual understanding, compatibility and support. And this cannot happen over night and not necessarily with the the chosen partner. And if God or parents decide whom to marry, what about our own agency and choice?

Moreover, what has always boggled my mind is the idea of Shiva Linga. If you are not aware then Shiva Linga is basically the penis of Lord Shiva placed in vulva (most probably of Goddess Parvati) which is venerated and worshipped in Hindu religion. In a very simplified form, it is seen as a sign of fertility. But it is only paradoxical when in reality penis or vagina are referred using nicknames (flower, wee wee etc) and sex education is still a taboo. If we truly believe in religion, why not embrace its ideologies of women empowerment, sex and freedom?

Also Read: Hindu Festival Calendar: A Comprehensive List of Festivals and Holidays