Celebrating Shivratri with Tales of Lord Shiva

Under the wide, shady banyan tree, where the roots hung down like ropes, Lil Poco, the curious little monkey, sat beside Granny. The village was filled with bells ringing, bhajans playing, and the sweet scent of incense. It was Shivratri, the great night of Lord Shiva.

Lil Poco scratched his head. “Granny, why does everyone say this is a special night? Why do people stay awake and pour milk on shivling?”

Granny smiled, pulling Lil Poco close. “Ah, my dear! Shivling, as you know is a symbol of Lord Shiva. And Shivratri is the night when Lord Shiva saved the world with his greatness and kindness.”

Lil Poco’s eyes widened. “Ooooh! Tell me the story, Granny!”

The Story of the Churning of the Ocean

Granny cleared her throat and began, “Once, long ago, the gods and demons churned the great ocean to get the nectar of immortality. But as they churned, something terrible happened!”

Lil Poco gasped. “What? What happened?”

Granny’s voice became serious. “From the depths of the ocean, a deadly poison emerged! It was so powerful that it could destroy all living beings. The gods and demons panicked. ‘What do we do?’ they cried.”

Lil Poco clutched Granny’s arm. “Oh no! Then what?”

Granny’s eyes twinkled. “That’s when Lord Shiva stepped forward. He gathered the poison in his hands and drank it all! But he did not swallow it. He held it in his throat, which turned blue. That’s why he is called Neelkanth, the blue-throated one.”

Lil Poco jumped up excitedly. “WOW! He saved everyone!”

Granny nodded. “Yes, my child. And that’s why people stay awake on Shivratri—to honour Lord Shiva’s sacrifice and his power to protect the world.”

The Story of the Woodcutter and the Shivling

Lil Poco was still swinging from a branch when Granny said, “Wait, there’s another story you will love.”

Lil Poco stopped. “Tell me! Tell me!”

Granny chuckled. “Once, a poor woodcutter was lost in the forest on a cold Shivratri night. He was hungry and scared. But he found a small Shivling under a tree. Not knowing it was Lord Shiva’s symbol, he climbed the tree above and started plucking leaves to keep himself awake.”

Lil Poco frowned. “Why was he staying awake?”

Granny said, “Because wild animals roamed at night! He wanted to keep his eyes open. He accidentally dropped the leaves on the Shivling below. Guess what? They were Bilva leaves, Lord Shiva’s favourite!”

Lil Poco clapped. “So, he was praying without knowing it?”

Granny nodded. “Yes! And when morning came, Lord Shiva appeared before him and blessed him with a good life. That’s why people offer Bilva leaves on Shivratri.”

The Lesson of Shivratri

Lil Poco sat still for a moment. Then he said, “So, Lord Shiva is kind to everyone? Even if we don’t know everything?”

Granny patted his head. “Yes, my dear. Lord Shiva doesn’t care how big or small you are. What matters is your heart—if it is kind, brave, and pure.”

Lil Poco grinned. “Then I want to be like Lord Shiva! Brave, kind, and helpful!”

Granny smiled. “That’s the spirit, my child! Always help others, stay strong in tough times, and never be afraid to do the right thing.”

As the night grew darker, the temple bells rang louder, and Lil Poco and Granny sat together, watching the stars twinkle above the banyan tree—just like the blessings of Lord Shiva.

Moral of the Story:

Bravery, kindness, and good intentions are always rewarded. Lord Shiva teaches us to help others and stay strong in difficult times.