Mahashivaratri is a special day for the devotees of Bhagwan Shiva. On this day, people observe a fast for the entire day and sing bhajans and songs in the praise of the deity. Bhagwan Shiva temples are flocked by devotees, and special puja is conducted in the temples all the day. Different types of Abhishek are performed, with the use of honey, ghee, milk, rose water, sandalwood paste and yogurt. During the time, many devotees sing the traditional, Shiva Chalisa – a prayer of Bhagwan Shiva. The Shiv Chalisa is written many years ago, with the aim to invoke the Lord and ask for his help in removing the hardships of his devotees. Here is lyrics of Shiva Chalisa in English and Hindi.

Introduction to Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra

The great mantra dedicated to Shiva as Mrityunjaya is found in the Rig Veda.  It is called the Maha Mrityunjaya mantra, the Great Death-Conquering mantra. It is a mantra that has many names and forms. It is called the Rudra mantra, referring to the furious aspect of Shiva; the Tryambakam mantra, alluding to Shiva’s three eyes; and its is sometimes known as the Mrita-Sanjivini mantra because it is a component of the "life-restoring" practice given to the primordial sage Shukra after he had completed an exhausting period of austerity. The Maha Mrityunjaya mantra is hailed by the sages as the heart of the Veda. Along with the Gayatri mantra it holds the highest place among the many mantras used for contemplation and meditation.

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