Shivratri- Powerful mantras and songs of lord shiva to chant on this day

'The Great Night of Shiva') is a Hindu festival celebrated annually in honour of the deity Shiva. 

The festival commemorates the wedding of Shiva and Parvati, and is also regarded to be the occasion that the deity performs his divine dance, called the Tandava.

It is one of the most auspicious festivals of Hindus which is celebrated by devotees with lots of fervor and aplomb. 

According to Drik Panchang.

The festival falls on the Chaturdashi Tithi during Krishna Paksha in the month of Magha. On this day devotees do fasting, rudra abhishek, and worship Lord Shiva to seek his blessings.Mahashivratri: History

According to the Puranas, several stories and legends describe the origin of the Shivratri festival.

One story says, during Samudra Manthan, a pot emerged from the ocean which consists of poison. 

All the Gods and demons were terrified that this will destroy the entire world and so, Gods ran to Lord Shiva for help. 

To protect the entire world from the evil effects, Shiva drank the entire poison and held it in his throat instead of swallowing it. 

Due to this, his throat becomes blue and so he is also known as Neelakantha. 

Shivratri is celebrated as an event due to which Shiva saved the world.

Mahashivratri: Significance

Followers and devotees of Shiva observe special puja and perform fast in several temples of Shiva across the world. They offer milk to the Shivaling and pray for moksha. Several devotees pray the whole night and chant mantras in praise of Lord Shiva. 

Women pray to be blessed with a good husband and a happy married life. On this day, in various temples fairs and cultural programs are organized.