Maha Sivarathri ( referred from some articles )

     The night prior to the New Moon Day ( Amavasya Day ) of every month has a special significance. This Krishna Chathurdasi has mythological connotations attached to it. On all these 12 days ( one day every month ) according to Hindu mythology, it is believed that Goddess Parvathi takes a human form to worship her spouse Lord Siva. On these Masa Sivarathri days, special poojas are conducted in Siva temples in the evenings. Among all these 12 days, one that falls in the tamil month of Masi ( Feb 15 - March 14 ) is the most important day to revere Siva and that is Maha Sivarathri. This is a special day or rather night to offer poojas to the Lord Siva. Religiously devoted people normally observe fasting and go to a Siva temple to worship and pray and to have a dharshan. Some people even perform poojas in their home.

     Maha Sivarathri has mythological connotations. The story is According to Hindu mythology, there was a dispute between Maha Vishnu and Brahma about their superiority. Lord Siva, who wanted to sort out this dispute, took the form of huge fire. He asked the other two to find out His head and feet. Brahma took the form of swan went in search of Siva's head and Vishnu went in search of Siva's feet in the form of huge boar and dug the earth. But both of the failed. The Ketaki flower gave a false evidence that Brahma had located Siva's head. This triggered Siva's anger and He cursed the flower to be the abode of cobra. Then the flower realised its folly and apologised. Siva pardoned the flower and allowed it to be used for His worship only on MahaSivarathri day. At last the other two of the trinity accepted their defeat and prayed to Siva in this time. Blessed by Parameswara, they were asked to continue their duty - Creation and Protection. Lord Siva Himself continues His duty of quelling our egoism.

     The basic principle underlying the observance of the Maha-Sivaratri Vratha appears to be to emphasize the fact that death is sure to follow birth, night is sure to follow day,Pralaya, active cosmic life and so on, and consequently people should always bear in mind while enjoying the one its opposite and regulate their life accordingly. They should not be elated at success nor should they allow themselves to be carried away by despair at failures but always have trust in God and worship him.