Maha Shivaratri 2015: The Great Night Of Lord Shiva (PHOTOS, BHAJANS)

KATHMANDU, NEPAL - FEBRUARY 17: A Shadu, or holy man, prays inside Pashupatinath temple during the celebration of the Maha Shivaratri festival on February 17, 2015 in Kathmandu, Nepal. Close to one million devotees from different countries attended the Maha Shivaratri festival at the Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu, Nepal. Maha Shivaratri is a Hindu festival held every year to revere the god Shiva and is considered one of the most important festivals in Hindu holy scriptures. Devotees of Shiva fast overnight and give offerings to the god in return for heavenly blessings. Although cannabis is illegal in Nepal, the authorities permit its consumption by Shadus, or holy persons, inside temple premises during the festival as a form of religious ritual, an imitation of a legend during which Shiva smoked cannabis as he came to the forests near the temple. (Photo by Omar Havana/Getty Images)

Maha Shivaratri (also Shivratri) is celebrated on February 17, 2015, by Hindus all over the world. This festival glorifies the Hindu god Shiva, believed to be the lord of cosmic destruction and dance. The festival is celebrated on the 14th night of the new moon during the Hindu lunar month of Phalguna.

The celebration of Maha Shivaratri begins with a night vigil leading up to the day of the festival during which many Shiva devotees fast and offer special prayers. Shiva is worshiped in the form of a lingam, a vertical, rounded column, representing the male creative force and the infinite, indescribable nature of God, and the yoni which represents female creative energy. Together they represent the union of organs, and the totality of creation.

Flowers, incense and other offerings are made, while prayers and bhajans are chanted. Bhang, an intoxicant made from the cannabis plant is consumed by many on the occasion of Maha Shivaratri.

The celebration of Maha Shivaratri is attributed to several tales in Hindu mythology. One of the most popular tales traces its origins to samudra manthan, or churning of the ocean of milk. According to this belief, when the gods and demons were churning the ocean of milk to obtain amrita (drink of immortality), they came across many unusual substances including a deadly poison. Terrified, the gods approached Shiva for help, and out of compassion for all living beings, Shiva swallowed the poison. The poison was so potent that it turned his neck to blue.

One of the most famous prayers recited to lord Shiva on the occasion of Maha Shivaratri is the Mahamrityunjaya Mantra, also known as the death-conquering mantra. Below are the words of the mantra in Sanskrit and a translation:

Om Tryambakam Yajamahe Sugandhim PushtivardhanamUrvarukamiva Bandhanan Mrityor Mukshiya Maamritat

Translation: We meditate on the Three-eyed reality which permeates and nourishes all like a fragrance. May we be liberated from death for the sake of immortality, even as a cucumber is severed from bondage to the creeper.

Click through the slideshow to listen to famous prayers dedicated to lord Shiva -- Mahamrityunjaya Mantra, Om Namaha Shivaya and Shiva Tandav Stotram. Lyrics and translation are provided.

Shiva Bhajans

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