Mahashivratri, the great night of Lord Shiva, is a revered Hindu festival celebrated annually to honour the divine essence of Lord Shiva. This auspicious occasion holds profound significance in Hindu scriptures and traditions, drawing devotees from across the world to partake in the festivities. As we delve into the depths of Mahashivratri 2024, let us explore its date, time, historical roots, and profound significance.
Date and Time of Mahashivratri 2024
Mahashivratri 2024 falls on the Chaturdashi Tithi of Krishna Paksha in Phalguna Month, aligning with the Hindu lunar calendar. The celebration commences on March 8, 2024, with the Chaturdashi Tithi beginning at 09:57 PM and concluding on March 9, 2024, at 06:17 PM. Devotees have the opportunity to engage in various rituals and observances throughout the night, marked by four Prahar Puja timings, starting from the evening of March 8 and concluding in the early hours of March 9.
Mahashivratri 2024: Puja Muhurat
Mahashivratri celebration: March 8, 2024.
Chaturdashi Tithi begins March 8, 2024, at 09:57 PM.
Chaturdashi Tithi ends March 9, 2024, at 06:17 PM.
Ratri First Prahar Puja: March 8, 2024, from 05:54 PM to 08:56 PM.
Ratri Second Prahar Puja: March 8, 2024, from 08:56 PM to 11:57 PM.
Ratri Third Prahar Puja: March 8, 2024, from 11:57 PM to March 9, 2024, at 02:58 AM.
Ratri Fourth Prahar Puja: March 8, 2024, from 02:58 AM to March 9, 2024, at 06:00 AM.
Nishitha Kaal: March 8, 2024, from 11:33 PM to March 9, 2024, at 12:21 AM.
Shivratri Parana: March 9, 2024, at 06:00 AM.
History and Significance
Mahashivratri holds a revered position in Hindu mythology, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil, light over darkness, and knowledge over ignorance. One prominent narrative associated with Mahashivratri recounts the pivotal role of Lord Shiva in saving the universe from impending doom. According to scriptures, during the churning of the cosmic ocean (Samudra Manthan), a lethal poison (halahala) emerged, threatening to engulf existence in darkness.
In an act of divine benevolence, Lord Shiva consumed the poison to protect creation, earning him the title of “Neelkanth” (the one with a blue throat). Thus, Mahashivratri commemorates this selfless sacrifice and underscores the transformative power of divine grace.
Furthermore, Mahashivratri also signifies the cosmic union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Legend has it that Goddess Parvati undertook rigorous penance across multiple lifetimes to win the affection of Lord Shiva, eventually succeeding and marrying him. This divine union epitomizes the harmonious balance between masculine and feminine energies, symbolizing fertility, creation, and spiritual elevation. As devotees celebrate Mahashivratri, they honour the divine consort of Lord Shiva, seeking blessings for marital bliss, harmony, and prosperity.
Worship and Rituals
Mahashivratri offers devotees a multitude of avenues to express their reverence and devotion towards Lord Shiva. From observing fasts to engaging in mantra chanting and elaborate puja rituals, devotees immerse themselves in spiritual practices to invoke the blessings of the divine.
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Some of the prominent ways to worship Lord Shiva on Mahashivratri include:
Observing Fast: Devotees undertake rigorous fasting as a form of purification, cleansing the body, mind, and soul. The fast can vary in intensity, with some opting for a complete abstinence from food and water, while others choose a more moderate approach.
Mantra Chanting: Chanting sacred mantras dedicated to Lord Shiva fosters spiritual communion and inner transformation. Devotees recite powerful hymns such as the “Om Namah Shivaya” mantra to invoke divine blessings and cultivate spiritual awakening.
Offerings: Offerings of milk, curd, honey, ghee, and other auspicious substances symbolize devotion and surrender to the divine. These offerings are believed to purify the aura and dispel negativity, fostering spiritual upliftment and divine grace.
Puja Rituals: Performing elaborate puja rituals, including lighting lamps, offering flowers, and conducting aarti, creates an atmosphere of sanctity and reverence. Devotees offer their prayers with sincerity and devotion, seeking divine blessings and protection.
Rudrabhishekam: Visiting Shiva temples to perform Rudrabhishekam, an elaborate ritual of offering sacred ablutions to Lord Shiva, is considered highly auspicious. This ritual invokes the benevolent blessings of Lord Shiva for longevity, prosperity, and spiritual fulfilment.
Visiting Temples and Holy Bath: Devotees flock to Shiva temples to seek the divine blessings of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Additionally, taking a holy dip in sacred rivers, especially the Ganga, is believed to purify the soul and absolve sins, fostering spiritual regeneration and divine grace.
Reciting Sacred Scriptures: Engaging in the recitation of holy texts dedicated to Lord Shiva, such as the Shiva Chalisa, Rudrashtakam, and Shiv Tandav Stotram, deepens one’s spiritual connection and invokes the divine presence. Devotees immerse themselves in the sublime verses, seeking divine guidance and blessings.
Mahashivratri serves as a profound reminder of the eternal presence of Lord Shiva in the cosmic fabric of existence. As devotees immerse themselves in the divine fervour of Mahashivratri 2024, they seek solace, spiritual illumination, and divine blessings from the benevolent Lord of Destruction and Creation, transcending worldly limitations and embracing the eternal essence of divine love and grace.
Disclaimer: The above information is a result of research and Axpert Media is not responsible for errors in the same.
