Maha Shivarathri
According to the Puranas, during the great mythical churning of the ocean called Samudra Manthan, a pot of poison emerged from the ocean. The gods and the demons were terrified, as it could destroy the entire world. When they ran to Shiva for help, he, in order to protect the world, drank the deadly poison but held it in his throat instead of swallowing it. This turned his throat blue, and because of this he came to be known as 'Nilkantha', the blue-throated one. Shivratri celebrates this event by which Shiva saved the world.
Maha Shivratri, the night of the worship of Lord Shiva, occurs on the 14th night of the new moon during the dark half of the month of Phalguna. It falls on a moonless February night, when Hindus offer special prayer to the lord of destruction. Shivratri (In Sanskrit, 'ratri' = night) is the night when he is said to have performed the Tandava Nritya — the dance of primordial creation, preservation and destruction. The festival is observed for one day and one night only.
Dhanurmasam Lakshmi Narasimha Vratam
In the Prahalada Charitam of Bhagavatham, Sri Narasimha Swami said to Prahaladha ͞Whoever learns about Narasimha Avathara and Prahalada charitra, will not have rebirth". The first four Dasa avatars are completely different from the last six. The first four Avatars came by themselves, by their own will, while in the later 6 Avatars, Lord Srimanarayana took birth like an ordinary human being. Among the first four Avatars, the fourth, Narasimha Avataram is very special as it has Universal Tatvam.
Sri Narasimha Swamy loves his devotees a lot. This vratam was specified by the Lord himself. It is very easy to perform. Any kind of difficulties can be overcome after performing this vratam. Lord knows all the difficulties and limitations of his devotees, the mere mortals of this Kaliyuga. That is the reason, He has shown us an easy way to please Him and seek His blessings.
Sri Narasimha Swamy will bless all those who perform this Vratam, eat the prasadam, or read or listen to the stories with devotion. They will overcome all their difficulties.