Shiva ratri

Sarala,
Can you delete this thread and ask your question in the other thread already started by Sasi, if you don't mind. :)
Actually I also want answer to this question :laugh:

Can any one tell or know how shiva ratri festival formed and what is the story behind it.

There are many stories about Shiva Ratri. The main theme is that this is to worship Shiva, the God of destruction. He contains deadly poison in his neck that may destroy the whole Earth or even more. This poison was obtained during 'samudra manthan'. The unmarried girls worship Shiva Lingam for getting ideal husband. For more see the link:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri

On this auspicious day Lord Shiva has hold moon in the right side of forehead and he has given blessings to people that who will keep fast on this day his or her all wishes will be complete like unmarried girls will find their mind like husband.

Here is a link on legends of shiva.

http://in.lifestyle.yahoo.com/legends-of-shiva-%E2%80%93-gokarna-and-murudeshwar.html

thank you Gulshanji for the link.