Maha Shivratri 2024: How to Perform Shivratri puja? Do's, Dont's and Everything You Must Know

Maha Shivratri is an important festival for Hindus celebrated between February and March to honor Lord Shiva, one of the principal deities of Hinduism. It falls on the fourteenth day of the dark half of the lunar month of Phalguna or Magha, according to the Hindu calendar. Devotees eagerly await this day each year to express their devotion to Lord Shiva.

Devotees wake up early and fast throughout the day, offering sincere prayers to Lord Shiva. In many places, a special ritual called Rudra Abhishek Puja takes place, where the Shiva linga is bathed with a mixture of milk, honey, gangajal, and yogurt. The festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm and grandeur in temples across the country.

Mahashivratri 2024: Date and Time

This year, Mahashivratri will be celebrated on 8 March. The Chaturdashi Tithi begins at 09:57 pm on 8 March and ends at 06:17 pm on 9 March. The Nishita Kaal Puja is scheduled from 2:07 am to 12:56 am on 9 March, and the Shivaratri Parana time is between 06:37 am to 03:29 am.

Why is Mahashivratri Celebrated?

According to Hindu mythology,  Mahashivratri marks the night when Lord Shiva married Goddess Parvati. It symbolizes the divine union of Purusha (consciousness) represented by Lord Shiva and Prakriti (nature) represented by Goddess Parvati, fostering creation.

Offerings to Lord Shiva

Devotees offer various items to Lord Shiva, including bel patra, dhatura flower, curd, ghee, sandalwood, and sweets made with milk like barfi, peda, and payasam/kheer. It's important not to use a kumkum tilak during the puja, and sandalwood paste is preferred.

Maha Shivratri Puja Traditions

On Maha Shivaratri, many people observe fasting. Traditionally, devotees visit Shiva temples in the morning as most temples close by noon for evening darshan. They offer elleaves, and fruits, and perform abhishek with milk and water. Some distribute sweet drinks with bhang as prasad, considering it a gift from Lord Shiva. Devotees fast throughout the day, consuming only fruits and drinks.

In conclusion, Mahashivratri is a significant festival that signifies devotion, union, and creation, cherished by millions of Hindus worldwide.

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