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Home > Temples of Kerala > Maha Sivaraathri Maha SivaraathriMaha Sivaraathri, literally meaning, 'the great night of Lord Siva' falls on the Krishna Chathurdasi day (fourteenth day during the dark fortnight) in the month of Magha (Makara-Kumbha). In Kerala, however, the day is observed on the i day in the dark fortnight of the Malayalam month Kumbham. It is believed that on this day Lord Siva protected the universe from total destruction by taking Haalahala (Kaalakoota poison) in His palm' and swallowing it. When He took the poison it became blue at His throat, due to the power of poison, which brought Him the name Neelakanta. In admiration of the benevolent act of Lord Siva, Brahma,Vishnu, Sathi and all other Deuathas spent the day-time in fast and spent the night keeping awake and praying with gratitude. There are other stories also about Sivaraatri but this is the most popular one. Whatever may be the legend it is a sacred day for all Hindus. Some devotees fast on the day and spend the time by worshipping in Siva temple by smearing bhasma (cow-dung ashes) on the body and reciting the prayers of Siva and strict vigil is kept at night without any sleep. Abhishekha and dhaara with pure water are the important items of pooja in these temples. Sivaraathri is celebrated in every Siva temple, the most important being at Aluva (in Ernakulam district). Thousands of ardent devotees assemble at the sand-bed on the famous Periyar river where the temple is located and worship the deity. They return home on the next day after bali to the manes. To spell out the names of temples observing Sivaraathri is cumbersome as it amounts to repetition of names of all Siva temples.
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