This is one of the most important events in Mauritius. Maha Shivaratri, which means “Siva’s great night,” is celebrated by Hindus in Mauritius. The celebration takes place during the new moon (a phase of the moon when the stars are not visible in the night sky). During this time, most devotees begin their pilgrimage to the holy lake of Ganga Talao, which is located in Grand Bassin. This ceremony attracts devotees from all over the island who walk for miles.
Maha Shivratri, one of the most important Hindu holidays, is commemorated on the 14th day of the Falgun month. This celebration is attended by devotees adoring Lord Shiva.
According to the Shiva Purana, this day is dedicated to Lord Shiva, who eliminated the ego and the war for supremacy between Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma. Another story holds that Lord Shiva married Goddess Parvati on the night of Maha Shivaratri, hence this night was dedicated to the marriage of Shiva and Shakti. Another Hindu text states that Maha Shivratri is the night when Lord Shiva performed the cosmic dance of creation, preservation, and annihilation. Another of the prevalent beliefs associated with Maha Shivratri
A few days before Maha Shivaratri, many devotees dressed in white make their way to Grand Bassin Lake to collect holy water. The water is believed to come from every corner of the island. Devotees walk over the mountains to reach the holy lake, sometimes in harsh weather.
Kanwars are made for the occasion and many people carry them on their shoulders during the march to Grand Bassin. Along the way, you’ll often see tents, usually set up by devotees, offering food and drink to devotees.
When devotees arrive at Ganga Talao, they pray on the banks of the lake and collect water to take back to their communities. The holy water is poured on the Shivalingam (a sacred stone depicting Lord Shiva) in the mandir where devotees usually worship.
The devotees celebrate this day with great enthusiasm where all the Lord Shiva devotees stay awake all night to worship Lord Shiva, perform Abhishakm, Rudrabhishekam and chant various Shiva mantras to seek the blessings of the Lord. This is the perfect day for devotees to attain spiritual awakening and liberation.
What is Mahashivratri?
Mahashivratri is celebrated throughout the country with much joy and excitement. The day of Mahashivratri is dedicated to Lord Shiva, one of the three Gods. This day commemorates the life-long commitment of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. This was the auspicious day when they got married.
So are Maha Shivratri and Shivratri different?
Yes, the main difference is that Maha Shivratri is celebrated once a year while Shivratri is celebrated monthly.