Maha Shivratri festival is celebrated on Chaturdashi Tithi of Krishna Paksha in the month of Phalgun . This year , the Festival will be celebrated on March 8. Maha Shivratri is celebrated in many states across India . Apart from fasting , devotes also observes abstinence and engage in prayer and meditation throughout te day seeking divine blessings and spiritual enlightenment.
Maha shivratri 2024 Date and Time
- Maha Shivaratri 2024 Date March 8, 2024
- Maha Shivaratri 2024 Day Friday
- Chaturdashi Tithi Begins Mar 08, 2024, 9:57 PM
- Chaturdashi Tithi Ends Mar 09, 2024, 6:17 PM
- Nishita Kaal Puja Time Mar 09, 2024, 00:07 to 00:56
- Shivaratri Parana Time 06:37 AM to 3:29 PM
Kindly note : The muhurat and the prahar timings differ in different parts of country and the position of the moon in the different locations
History and significance:
According to Hindu mythology, there are several reasons associated as to why we celebrate Mahasivaratri. It is believed that on the day of Maha Shivratri, Shiva and Parvati got married hence, every year, the day is observed to celebrate their union.
In other words, Shivratri is supposed to be the night of convergence of Shiva and Shakti, which in essence mean the masculine and feminine energies that balance the world. However, another legend says that Mahashivratri is observed to remember the day when Shiva drank the poison that got churned out from the ocean during Samudra Manthan and protected the world from darkness and dismay.
Maha Shivratri Puja Rituals 2024
Maha Shivratri Puja begins early in the morning when devotees take a bath before sunrise, wear new clothes and visit Shiva temple. It is an extremely special day for the women who perform the traditional Mahashivratri Puja with water, milk, Bel leaves, fruits such as Ber and incense sticks. They take 3 or 7 rounds around the Shiva Lingam and then pour milk and offer leaves, fruits, flowers and worship with incense sticks.
There are six significant elements that should be used while performing Maha Shivratri Puja and each symbolize a special meaning.
- Bathing of Shiva Lingam with water and milk and Bel leaves optimizes soul purification
- Vermillion after the bath is a symbol of Virtue.
- Fruits offered while worshipping represent the fulfillment of desires and longevity.
- Incense stick burning is a symbol of wealth.
- Betel Leaves depict satisfaction from worldly desires.
- Lamp lightning epitomizes attainment of wisdom and knowledge.
- As the main aspect of this festival is night long vigil of Shiva temple, this is why Jaagrans are organized by the devotees. This is the reason that on the night of Mahashivratri, temples are filled with the chants of “OM NAMAH SHIVAYA” and men and women sing devotional songs in respect of Lord Shiva.
Remedies to be performed on Maha Shivratri
For Success in Education: On Maha Shivratri 2024 , Combine Milk with water and mishri and present it to Lord Shiva at the Shiv temple while reciting his name for improved academic performance.
For Success in Money and finance: In addition , use panchamrit to perform abhishek in the Lord Shiva’s image. Remember to apply things such as milk, curd ,sugar ,honey and ghee one at a time for optimal financial results.
For Success in Marriage: Visit a Shiv temple in the evening and select a suitable Bel Patra . On Bel Patra , it is important to include sandlewood (chandan).Recite the mantra “OM NAMAH SHIVAYA ” while offering Bel Patra and make a wish for a speedy wedding .
For Success in Health: Light a Diya with four wicks and pure ghee. Lord Shiva is to be presented with milk containing water,mishri,and rice. While performing this ,recite the mantra ” OM NAMAH SHIVAYA ” and make a wish for good health .
— DIVYAA SABLOK