Maha Shivaratri

Maha Shivaratri is the festival of the convergence of Shiva and Shakti. 

It is believed that Lord Shiva finally married Goddess Parvati after her severe, unparalleled austerity.

Devotees celebrate this day by observing a day-long fast and breaking it the next day after the sun rises. 

On this day, the devotees bathe both in the morning and in the evening before performing the first of the four prahar (segment) pujas, which typically begins after the sun sets and continues till the sun rises.

It is believed that Lord Shiva becomes pleased with those who celebrate this day with complete devotion and even grants 'Moksha' (salvation) to those on whom he becomes extremely pleased. 

In the 40th chapter of the Kotirudra Sanghita segment of Shiva Mahapurana titled 'Nishadha Charitra', it is mentioned that long ago, a sinner who was a hunter by profession observed a night-long fast in his search for food for his family. He was unaware that it was the night of Maha Shivaratri. He sat on a Bilva tree near a pond in a forest with some water to drink. Every time he would attempt to shoot an arrow at an animal that would come to quench its thirst, some Bilva leaves and water would fall below where there was a Shiva Jyotirlinga. This happened on all four prahars. Even though the hunter did this unknowingly, he got rid of all his sins and even developed a conscience. Lord Shiva appeared before him and blessed him to live a life of worldly comforts. He also told him that one day he would help Lord Rama, and with Lord Rama's blessings, he would attain Moksha. So it is said that if a sinner can attain Moksha, then there are chances that others who perform puja with complete devotion can attain Moksha too. 

Om Namah Shivay! Har Har Mahadev!