Mahāśivarātri

Mahāśivarātri is one of the most important parvas among the festivals of Bhāratīyas. Just as Prayāga and Pushkara are called 'Tīrtharāja', Mahāśivarātri is called 'vratarāja'. This vrata is observed in all parts of Bhāratadeśa with concern reverence and devotion. Though this is a festival where the prominent deity is Śiva and a very special parva for śaivites, even Vaishṇavas and worshippers of other great devatās also should specially worship God (Śiva) on Śivarātri.