The origin of Maha Shiva Rathri

The origin of Maha Shiva Rathri There is an interesting account found in Purana’s portraying the origin of Maha Shiva rathri. In the time immemorial a lotus bloomed out of Lord Mahavishnu’s navel. The creator god Lord Brahma originated in the lotus. By finding himself in the midst of an ocean all alone , Brahma was even more confused about his origin. To find out the mystery of his existence he set out for an expedition through the sea of life. After a long pursuit he found Lord Mahavishnu lying in the ocean of life having his eternal slumber. Lord Brahma asked the whereabouts of the Lord , he answered that he is the creator of Brahma and known as Lord Vishnu. This answer was not acceptable to Lord Brahma. A severe battle broke out between the two which eventually end up in a war, both of them fought tooth and nail to establish the supremacy of one another. Lord Brhama sends his weapon “ Brahmastra “ against Lord Vishnu. To defend this “ Pasupathastra “fired by Lord Vishnu. Once unleashed ,the pasupathastra journeyed around the world and started to threaten the very existence of it , both gods were failed to direct the weapon. Then a pillar of fire appeared between them. It seemed to be stretching endless without a start or end. It’s been decided between the two who ever find out the end of it will be the supreme. Thus lord Brahma travelled to the top in the form of a swan and Lord Vishnu to the bottom in the form of a boar. Eons passed by but both of them failed to find the end of it . On the way to the top Lord brahma got a Kaitaki flower which was falling from the top . With this flower as a proof Brahma lied to Lord Vishnu that he found the end of the pillar. Lord Vishnu agreed the supremacy of Lord Brahma. At this stage Lord Shiva appeared out of the Jyothirlinga, he immobilized pasupathastra. He cursed Lord Brahma for lying and made Lord Vishnu the supreme. It was a day on the Krishna Paksha Chaturdashi of Hindu calendar month Maagha as per Amavasya-ant month calculation. It is proclaimed that that auspicious day should be celebrated as Maha shivarathri by lord Shiva.