Maha Shivratri 2016: Why is it celebrated?

Maha Shivratri, a Hindu festival, is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is celebrated across India with religious fervour by devotees, who keep fast to please the God. Devotees in other regions like Nepal also celebrate the festival.

But many still may not know why Shivratri is celebrated? Well, there are various mythological stories behind the celebration of Shivratri. One story says that on Maha SHivratri at midnight, the formless God appeared in the form of "Lingodbhav Moorti". This is believed to be the reason for devotees to stay awake at night and offer prayers to the God.

According to another story, Lord Shiva married Goddess Parvati this day, which marks the union of Shiva and Shakti that are the two greatest power of the universe.

Unmarried women pray this day to get a husband like Lord Shiva and devotees worship him for a peaceful and happy life.