India has a very large population of Hindu people. Out of all the festivals and occasions celebrated by the Hindu community, Mahashivaratri is considered one of the holiest. Devotees of Shiva observe fasts and perform puja with full dedication on this day. Shivratri occurs on the fourteenth day of every lunar month, the night before the new moon. Mahashivaratri, the most spiritually significant of the twelve Shivaratris that occur each year, takes place in February or March.
This year, Maha Shivaratri will fall on 8th March 2024.
Another name for Mahashivratri is “The Great Night of Shiva.” or “A Night of Awakening.” It is believed that there is a natural increase in a person’s spiritual energy levels on this night because of the orientation of the northern hemisphere of the Earth. One of the cornerstones of this all-night festival is staying awake and erect the whole time so that this natural surge of energy can find its way to our third eye.
Importance of Mahashivratri: A Night of Awakening
Mahashivaratri holds special significance for every kind of person. For those on a spiritual path, Mahashivratri is a night of enlightenment. Also, it has great relevance for those in families. Family people celebrate Mahashivratri as Shiva’s wedding anniversary because Lord Shiva married Parvathi on this day. This is also the day when Shiva vanquished his foes forever. People aiming for material success pray for the destruction of obstacles.
It is a chance and a possibility to awaken to the awareness of the vast emptiness that exists inside each and every person and is the origin of all creation. Shiva is both the destroyer and the most compassionate. This makes Mahashivratri a special night for receiving too. To not spend even a fraction of this night experiencing the vastness of the void we call Shiva is an abomination, and receiving our blessing is to wish that upon no one. This should be more than just a night of staying up late for you; it should be a night of true awakening.
Maha Shivratri Muhrat
Maha Shivaratri on Friday, March 8, 2024
Nishita Kaal Puja Time – 12:05 AM to 12:54 AM, Mar 09
Duration – 00 Hours 49 Mins
On 9th Mar, Shivaratri Parana Time – 06:34 AM to 03:28 PM
Mahashivratri Puja Vidhi
Here is a general outline of the pooja (worship) vidhi (procedure) for Mahashivaratri:
- Preparation: Take a bath and wear clean clothes. Clean and decorate the puja room or the area where you plan to perform the puja.
- Gather the necessary items: A picture or idol of Lord Shiva, a Shiva lingam, milk, honey, water, rice, flowers, sandalwood paste, vermilion powder, incense sticks, and ghee lamps.
- Puja begins with the lighting of the lamp: Light the ghee lamps and place them around the Shiva lingam or picture of Lord Shiva.
- Offerings to Lord Shiva: Offer milk, honey, and water to the Shiva lingam or picture of Lord Shiva. These offerings symbolize purity, devotion, and auspiciousness.
- Aarti: Perform aarti (a devotional song sung in praise of the deity) by waving a lamp in front of the idol or lingam.
- Offer flowers: Offer flowers to Lord Shiva, as they are considered to be his favorite.
- Apply sandalwood paste and vermilion powder: Apply sandalwood paste and vermilion powder to the Shiva lingam or picture of Lord Shiva, as a symbol of respect and devotion.
- Offer rice: Offer rice to the Lord as a symbol of food and sustenance.
- Chant Mantras: Chant the “Om Namah Shivaya” mantra or any other Shiva mantra of your choice. This helps to purify the mind and soul and connect with the divine.
- Conclude the puja: Conclude the puja by offering prasad (offerings of food) to Lord Shiva. Distribute the prasad among friends and family and seek blessings from the Lord.
Note: The above pooja vidhi is a simple outline and may vary from region to region and from family to family.
