Maha Sivarathri

Maha Sivarathri is believed to be one of the oldest festivals of Andhra Pradesh. The traditional myth of the place says that Lord Shiva was appeared as a lingam on this day. Celebrated on the night of Krishna chaturdashi, Maha Sivarathri speaks of the divine charisma and eternal bliss of Lord Shiva.

Some of the religious texts of Andhra Pradesh indicate the origin of Maha Sivarathri to the tandava nritya of Lord Shiva. Whereas some others attach the festival with the marriage ceremony of the Lord with Goddess Parvati.

On the very day of Maha Sivarathri, devotees come from all over the state to the various temples of Lord Shiva to offer their prayers. The priest of the temple sanctifies the Shiva lingam with a special leaf - bel- which is used in all sacred activities of Hindu religion. The devotees then start offering their prayers to the Lord. Throughout the entire day, devotees sit in the premises of the temples chanting the name of Shiva. A fast is maintained by the followers on this occasion which is broken only on the following day of the festival.

The kalahasteshwara temple and bharamarambha malikarjunaswamy temple are the two famous places of worship where Maha Sivarathri is celebrated with mirth and gaiety. Often, people come to the temples from other sates of India to gather the blessings of Lord Shiva. The popularity of the festival has taken such dimensions that today tourists who come to explore the splendors of India, make it a point to visit the various Shiva shrines on the holy occasion of Maha Sivarathri.

Regarded as a national festival, the auspicious occasion of Maha Sivarathri is performed with religious dedication and utmost enthusiasm across the length and breadth of Andhra Pradesh.