Mahashivratri, an annual Hindu festival, is observed to pay homage to Lord Shiva. Scheduled for March 8, 2024, the day entails a series of rituals such as fasting, mantra recitations, offerings, Rudrabhishekam, temple visits, ceremonial baths, and the reading of sacred texts dedicated to Lord Shiva. Additionally, the festival commemorates the divine union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati following her dedicated penance.
Mahashivratri, observed annually, is a revered Hindu festival that pays homage to Lord Shiva. It stands out as a profoundly sacred occasion dedicated to worshiping Lord Shiva. Pilgrims from around the globe converge in India to partake in this celebration and pay visits to various Shiva temples. On this propitious day, devotees gather water from diverse sources of the Ganges to present the pure Ganga Jal as an offering to Lord Shiva.
This year, the festival of Maha Shivratri will be observed on the Chaturdashi Tithi of Krishna Paksha in the month of Phalguna, falling on March 8, 2024.Mahashivratri
2024: Check Puja Muhurat
| Tithi | Date and Time |
| Mahashivratri Celebration | March 8, 2024 |
| Chaturdashi Tithi Begins | March 8, 2024 – 09:57 PM |
| Chaturdashi Tithi Ends | March 9, 2024 – 06:17 PM |
| Ratri First Prahar Puja | March 8, 2024 – 05:54 PM to 08:56 PM |
| Ratri Second Prahar Puja | March 8, 2024 – 08:56 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 8, 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 – 06:00 AM to 02:56 PM |
Avoid performing puja during the inauspicious period of Nishitha Kaal, which begins from March 8 at 11:33 PM and continues until March 9 at 12:21 AM.
Mahashivratri 2024: Significance
Maha Shivratri is among the most revered festivals in Hinduism, deeply significant for Lord Shiva. According to Hindu Scriptures, this day commemorates Lord Shiva’s vital role in rescuing the universe from darkness and ignorance. It symbolizes the moment when, amidst the churning of the ocean, Lord Shiva consumed poison to protect existence. Observers pay homage through rigorous fasting and prayers devoted to Lord Shiva. A tradition involves sages and deities ceremonially bathing Lord Shiva in milk, bhang, and curd to neutralize the poison’s effects, a custom maintained today with offerings of milk, bhang, dhatura, and sandalwood. Another legend linked to this festival recounts Lord Shiva’s marriage to Goddess Parvati after her intense penance.
It is believed that Goddess Parvati underwent 108 births to wed Lord Shiva. Hence, people celebrate this festival with grandeur and fervor by venerating them together. This festival is deemed exceptionally auspicious, and those who offer prayers to Lord Shiva on this sacred day are bestowed with joy, prosperity, and the fulfillment of all their desires.
Mahashivratri 2024: How to worship Lord Shiva on Maha Shivratri?
There are so many ways to worship Lord Shiva so let’s know more :-
- Celebrate Mahashivratri with profound devotion and dedication by observing the fast and following the rituals. This period offers a prime opportunity to cleanse your body, mind, and soul. Discover the three types of Mahashivratri fasts here.
- Mantra Chanting – Reciting different Shiva mantras on Mahashivratri offers numerous spiritual advantages. Chanting mantras serves as an avenue to establish a profound connection with the divine force..
- Offerings – Worshiping Lord Shiva involves offering auspicious items like milk, curd, honey, ghee, sugar powder, sandalwood paste, sugarcane juice, gangajal, bhang, dhatura, ber, and more. These offerings serve to purify the aura and repel negativity.
- Puja Rituals –Puja involves lighting a diya with traditional cow ghee, presenting flowers, and performing aarti. These practices bring enlightenment into life.
- Rudrabhishekam – Visiting Shiva temples for Rudrabhishekam is believed to bestow longevity and well-being in life.
- Visiting Temple – Visiting Shiva temple is considered auspicious on the day of Mahashivratri and one must take the blessings of Lord Shiva.
- Holy Bath – Mahashivratri stands as a significant Hindu festival, where bathing in the Ganga river holds great merit on this auspicious occasion. This ritual is believed to infuse life with positivity and alleviate the various sufferings faced by devotees.
- Listening or Reciting the holy books – Celebrate Maha Shivratri by worshipping Lord Shiva through reciting sacred texts like Shiva Chalisa, Rudrashtakam, Shivatandav Stotram, and other scriptures dedicated to Him. Engage in listening to devotional songs and mantras to please the deity.