The night of stillness or the great night of Shiva is a largely celebrated festival among Hindus. Maha Shivratri is celebrated on the new moon day in the month of ‘Maagha’ according to the Hindu calendar. Among all the 12 Shivratris that occur throughout the year, Mahashivratri holds the utmost spiritual significance. The absolute formless God, Sadashiv appeared in the form of "Lingodbhav Moorti" exactly at midnight on Maha Shivratri, due to which all the Shiva devotees perform "Shivlingam abhishekham" at midnight.

Mythological significance:

• As per renowned stories, the auspicious ‘Samudra Manthan’, where lord Shiva drank the poison ‘Halahala’ to save the entire humanity from evil destruction; marks the celebration of this event on this day.
• Another legend reveals, once a hunter waited on the wood apple tree for his hunt, in the meanwhile he started throwing leaves on the ground. Oblivious to the presence of Lingam on the ground, Lord Shiva was pleased with the patience and dedication of the hunter and blessed him with wisdom.
• It was said that once Goddess Parvati pledged Lord Shiva to save the Earth from destruction, in return lord Shiva kept a condition that the devotees will worship him with complete faith and dedication. On this day devotees express their gratitude through enthusiastic prayers.

Scientific Relevance: As per the research, the Northern hemisphere is positioned in such a way that there is a natural upsurge of energy in beings. The fundamental of this night long festival marks the gain of natural energies into our body and soul. Beings who want to proceed ahead on the path of spirituality, offer special prayers on this day and become still with the stable Lord. After many millennia in meditation, the day when supreme Lord becomes stable is Mahashivratri. This day provides enhancement possibilities to the yogic seekers. Mahashivratri is not only a ritual but a cosmic definition to the Universe. It dispels ignorance by spreading the light of knowledge, and blesses the beings with wisdom and happiness.