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Lord Shiva is one of the main deities of Hinduism. He is a vital part of the trinity of Brahma, Vishnu, Mahesh or Shiva. It is said that the main role of Lord Shiva is the destroyer, that is, the One who destroys the entire creation (also called mahapralaya) at the end of the cosmic cycle or chaturyuga. However, this is a very superficial definition of the role of Lord Shiva in creativity. In fact, he is the destroyer of evil, negative energies and vices. His role can be compared to a gardener who eradicates weeds from the garden, so that beautiful flowers can come out and blossom without any obstacles. Likewise, Lord Mahadeva eradicate the negative energy and evil inclinations of the mind of his devotees so that their lives can thrive and radiate peace and bliss. Another aspect of his role as a destroyer is that he destroys an almost endless cycle of births and deaths and and grants Moksha to his devotees.
Lord Shiva is known by many names; it mentions more than a thousand names in puranas (ancient Hindu scriptures). Some of the most popular names of Lord Shiva are Aashutosh, Bholenath, Gangadhara, Hara, Kailashadhipati, Lokapal, Mahadeva, Mahamrityunjaya, Nataraja, Omkara, Pashupati, Pushkara, Rudraksha, Sanatana, Shankara, Trilochana, Umapati, Vishveshwara, and Vishwanath, to name a few.
Lord Shiva is called Mahadeva, or the greatest god, mainly because of his extremely generous and compassionate nature. He does not look at the background and attributes of his devotee; which he calls the real heart, whether it’s a king or a beggar, a sinner or a saint, a man or a devil, Lord Shiva is easy to meet with him and give varam or grace, hence the name Aashutosh.
Mahashivaratri
The night of worship of Lord Mahadeva is celebrated as the festival “Mahashivratri” from the admirers of Shiva all over the world. It is celebrated on Krishna paksha Chaturdashi tithi of the Phalguna month; usually in February.
Mahashivaratri is even found today by the devotees of Lord Shiva throughout the world. They observe the night hours and fasting during this festival, and also visit some of the important temples.
Another version of the Mahashivaratri says that the Goddess Parvati made heavy tapas to destroy any evil forces that could harm her husband. It is believed that she prays for the long life of her husband on the day of the night without the moon in Phalguna month. Continuing this tradition, women also do womenfolk and offer prayers to Shiva – the ideal husband who wants the good health of her husband and long life.