Maha Shivratri 2024: An annual Hindu holiday called Mahashivratri is observed to pay tribute to Lord Shiva. It takes place on March 8, 2024, and is observed with a number of customs that include reading sacred texts devoted to Lord Shiva, fasting, mantra chanting, offerings, Rudrabhishekam, visiting temples, and taking a holy bath. This festival also commemorates the tale of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati’s marriage following Maa Parvati’s rigorous penance.
An annual Hindu holiday called Mahashivratri is observed to honor Lord Shiva. It is regarded as the most holy day to worship Lord Shiva throughout the year. Witnessing this event in India, devotees travel from all over the world to visit different Shiva temples. People gather water from various Ganga sources and serve Lord Shiva pure Ganga Jal on this auspicious day.
The celebration of Maha Shivratri will take place this year on March 8, 2024, which is Chaturdashi Tithi of Krishna Paksha in Phalguna Month.
Mahashivratri 2024: Check Puja Muhurat
| Tithi | Date and Time |
| MahaShivratri Celebration | March 8, 2024 |
| Chaturdashi Tithi Begins | March 8, 2024 – 9:57 PM |
| Chaturdashi Tithi Ends | March 9, 2024 – 6:17 PM |
| Ratri First Prahar Puja | March 8, 2024 – 5:54 PM to 8:56 PM |
| Ratri Second Prahar Puja | March 8, 2024 – 8:56 PM to 11:57 PM |
| Ratri Third Prahar Puja | March 8, 2024 – 11:57 PM to March 9, 2024 – 02:58 AM |
| Ratri Fourth Prahar Puja | March 9, 2024 – 02:58 AM to March 9, 2024 – 06:00 AM |
| Nishitha Kaal | March 8, 2024 – 11:33 PM to March 9, 2024 – 12:21 AM |
| Shivratri Parana | March 9, 2024 – 6:00 AM to 02:56 PM |
People are advised not to perform puja during Nishitha Kaal, which is from March 8 – 11:33 PM and March 9 – 12:21 AM, as it is not considered auspicious.
Mahashivratri 2024: Significance
One of the holiest holidays in Hindu scriptures is Maha Shivratri. This event has a particular connection to Lord Shiva. According to the scriptures, it was the day that Lord Shiva consumed all of the poison created when the ocean was being churned, thus saving the entire cosmos from darkness and ignorance. And to commemorate this day, people fast strictly and worship to Lord Shiva. People still perform the ceremony of giving Lord Shiva milk, bhang dhatura, and sandalwood because it is thought that all the sages and deities bathe him in milk, bhang, and curd to lessen the effects of that dangerous poison.
This festival also commemorates the tale of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati’s marriage following Maa Parvati’s rigorous penance. Goddess Parvati is said to have had 108 births before marrying Lord Shiva. People therefore pray for both of them at the same time to celebrate this holiday with tremendous grandeur and zeal. This event is regarded as being very fortunate, and those who pray to Lord Shiva on this holy day are bestowed with happiness and prosperity, and Lord Shiva grants all of the wishes of his followers.
Mahashivratri 2024: How to worship Lord Shiva on Maha Shivratri?
Let’s learn more about the various methods that Lord Shiva can be worshipped:-
Observe Fast – People can follow all the procedures and keep the Mahashivratri fast with great passion and sincerity. Now is the ideal moment to observe the fast and cleanse your body, mind, and soul. You can check here for the three different ways to observe Maha Shivratri fast.
Mantra Chanting – There are numerous spiritual advantages of chanting different Shiva mantras on the day of Mahashivratri. Chanting mantras is another method to establish a connection with the highest force.
Offerings – Offerings include milk, curd, honey, ghee, sugar powder, sandalwood paste, sugarcane juice, gangajal, bhang, dhatura, ber, and other auspicious foods can be used to worship Lord Shiva. Offering these items helps fight against negativity and cleanse the aura.
Puja Rituals – Puja entails making an aarti, presenting flowers, and lighting a diya with desi cow ghee. This leads to life’s enlightenment.
Rudrabhishekam – Rudrabhishekam must be performed at Shiva temples in order to bring longevity and well-being into one’s life.
Visiting Temple – On the day of Mahashivratri, it is considered auspicious to visit a Shiva temple and seek Lord Shiva’s blessings.
Holy Bath – One of the main Hindu holidays is Mahashivratri, and on this auspicious day, bathing in the Ganga River is said to be meritorious. By doing this, devotees’ lives are filled with happiness and are freed from all forms of pain.
Listening or Reciting the holy books – Reading the Shiva Chalisa, Rudrashtakam, Shivatandav Stotram, and many more scriptures devoted to Lord Shiva is another way to worship him on the day of Maha Shivratri. In addition, people can participate in listening to Lord Shiva-focused bhajans and mantras.
ALSO READ: Mahashivratri 2024 Fasting Rules and How to observe Maha Shivratri fast?
