Indian citizens celebrate Maha Shivaratri with the most dedication and this year the festival comes on the 8th of March. Maha Shivaratri is dedicated to Lord Shiva and the festival day marks the wedding day of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Devotees offer prayers and chants for the whole night in temples and perform abhishekam to Shiva Linga. Read the full article to learn about Maha Shivaratri celebrations and their importance.
Why We Celebrate Mahashivratri:
According to many Hindu calendars this year Maha Shivaratri occurs between 9:57 pm on the 8th of March and 6:17 pm on the 9th of March. This festival day is of great importance and is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Devotees spend the festival night at Lord Shiva temples graced by colourful lights and vibrant energy. As per Hindy mythology, it is believed that on the day of Maha Shivaratri, Lord Shiva performed a cosmic dance of creation, preservation and destruction called Tandava.
Devotees believe that the cosmic energy levels during this night will be very high and Lord Shiva will bless devotees with the best blessing and grace. This Maha Shivaratri is also celebrated as the wedding day of Lord Shiva and goddess Parvati, symbolizing the union of comic energies and harmony. Maha Shivaratri holds prayers and meditations in the name of Lord Shiva, using culture, religion, and spirituality. Maha Shivaratri also represents the victory of light over ignorance and darkness where Lord Shiva defeated Tripurasura, a demon of ignorance and ego.
Mahashivaratri Celebration:
The Divine celebration of the night of Maha Shivaratri is one of the Hindu festivals celebrated with pure devotion and dedication. Devotees perform rituals throughout the night at the Lord Shiva temples. The temples will be decorated with flowers, lights and spiritual energy with all the devotees around.
Devotes will chant mantras, sing devotional songs, sit and meditate while remembering Lord Shiva. Abhishekam (Ceremonial Bathing) will be performed on Shiva Linga, a replica of Lord Shiva, where milk, honey, banana, curd, and sugar will be used along with chanting mantras.
One of the most common rituals of Maha Shivaratri is fasting, where devotees avoid consuming food and water for the day. Devotees believe fasting purifies the body and mind which supports improving self-discipline and spiritual awareness.
Devotees usually perform strict fasting in Maha Shivaratri than in other festivals with at most dedication without having food and water. However, some devotees choose to have partial fasting too, by having fruits and vegetables without food and water.
This fasting brings the devotees closer to Lord Shiva who provides blessings and good health. Shivaratri relieves 3 types of problems related to the mind, body and soul as per Adhyatmik, Adhibhoutik and Adidaivik. Participating in spiritual activities alongside fasting helps to impact mental health in a good way. It reduces stress, anxiety, depression and emotional stability with calmness. This festival is also celebrated with great enthusiasm by Hindu communities around the world.
Auspicious Timings For Mahashivratri 2024:
- First Prahar Puja: 6:25 PM–9:28 PM on March 8
- Second Prahar Puja: 9:28 PM on March 8–12:31 AM on March 9
- Third Prahar Puja: 12:31 AM–3:34 AM on March 9
- Fourth Prahar Puja: 3:34 AM–6:37 AM on March 9
- Nishita Kaal Puja: 2:07 AM–12:56 AM on March 9
- Shivaratri Parana: 6:37 AM–3:29 AM on March 9
The festival falls on the 14th night of the new moon during the dark half of the lunar month of Phalguna, which usually occurs between February and March. Devotees wake up early, bathe, and then perform puja or visit the temple to pray to Lord Shiva.
Even devotees perform “Linga abhisheka” in the early morning in temples which will be blessed by Lord Shiva if done so. This time, the festival timing is similar to the festival of Maha Shivaratri, which occurred 349 years ago. This festival is a time for seeking blessings from Lord Shiva and spiritual development.
Maha Shivaratri means “Great Night of Shiva”
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