Masa Shivaratri is the auspicious day to worship Lord Shiva. In February 2010, Masa Shivratri falls on Maha Shivaratri day which is the biggest festival dedicated to Lord Shiva. Masa Shivratri February 2010 or Maha Shivaratri 2010 date is February 12. Shivaratri 2010 corresponds to Falgun Krishna Chaudas in North Indian calendar, and Magha Shukla Chaturdashi in Marathi, Gujarati, Kannada and Telugu calendars.
Mahashivaratri 2010 is even more significant to worship the Lord as on this day Kumbha Sankranti or Kumbha Sankramana is celebrated. Special pujas are performed in Kashi Vishweshwara temple in Varanasi, Ujjain Mahakaleshwar Temple, Nashik Trayambakeshwar Temple, and many other Jyothirling temples in India.
During Mahashivaratri Brahmotsavam is organized in Srisailam Mallikarjuna Temple. Vemulawada Rajarajeshwara Swamy temple is also a best place to visit during Shivaratri festival. A three-day Jathara or fair is organized in Vemulawada during the festival.
Dwapara Yuga or Dvapara yugam is the third among the four Yugas or ages as per Hinduism. This is the next yuga after Treta Yuga and is followed by Kali Yuga. According to Puranas, Dwapara Yuga was begun on Magha Bahula Trayodashi (Magh Krishna Trayodashi), 13th day in second phase of Magha month in South Indian, Marathi and Gujarati calendars. This day corresponds to Falguna month Krishna Trayodashi in North Indian calendars. In 2010, Dwapara Yugadi date is February 11.
As per Puranas and Vedas, Lord Krishna ruled Dwapara Yugam. Lord Vishnu was incarnated as Krishna in Dwapara Yugam. The beginning of Kali Yuga or Kali Yugadi is known as Ugadi or Yugadi festival celebrated in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka.
Bhishma Dwadashi or Bheeshma Dvadasi is observed on Magha Shukla Dwadashi, the day after Bhishma Ekadashi. Bhishma Dwadashi is an auspicious day during when devotees break their Bhishma Ekadasi vrat upvaas. Bhishma Dwadasi 2010 date is January 27. It is believed that Pandvas observed the final rituals and rites for Bhishma pithamaha who died on Bhishma Ashtami (Magh Shukla Ashtami).
Bhishma Dwadasi is the second auspicious day during Bhishma Panchak Vrat, observed from Bhishma Ekadashi to Magh Purnima. It is not only observed by Vishnu devotees but also by Shiva devotees. This festival is a grand occasion in ISKCON Temples, Vrindavan Krishna Temple, Banke Bihariji Temple and Lord Puri Jagannath Temple.
Magh Snan or Magha Snana is the most auspicious event during Magh month or Magha masam. To get rid of sins and get salvation, this is the most important month. Devotees believe that performing snan or ritual bath before sunrise is considered auspicious. Devotees observe Magh Snan in holy rivers like Ganga, Yamuna, Brahmaputra, Narmada, Godavari, Krishna, Cauvery, etc. during Magh month and worship Lord Shiva, Surya Bhagwan, Goddess Saraswati and Lord Vishnu.
Magha snanam starts on Pushya Amavasya (No Moon day in Pushya masam) and continues till the last day of Magh month. As per the Brahma Purana, those who observe Magh Snan before sunrise will be even worshipped by Gods. Puranas explained how to do Magh Snan and where and when to perform the punya snan.
Magh Mela is the important Mela celebrated in Prayag Sangam in Allahabad. Basant Panchami snan, Ratha Saptami snan, Bhishma Ekadasi snan, Magh Amavasya, and Magh Purnima Snan are major days that attract lakhs of devotees for Magh Snan. Kumbh Mela also starts during Magh Month.
Jaya Ekadasi is observed on Magh Shukla Ekadashi day, the eleventh day during Shukla Paksha in Magh month. In 2010, Jaya Ekadasi date is January 26. While Magh month is the auspicious month for Shiva puja and this Ekadasi is auspicious for Vishnu Puja. On this day, Lord Vishnu and Shiva both are worshipped. Observing Jaya Ekadasi Vrat gives the devotees the opportunity to get rid of the sins and to get salvation.
The legend or story or Jaya Ekadasi Vrat katha is mentioned in the Padma Purana. It is explained as a conversation between Lord Krishna and Yudhistira. Jaya Ekadasi is known as Bhishma Ekadashi or Bhauma Ekadasi in South India.
