MAHA SHIVRATRI – Maha Shivratri and its importance

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Everyone wants to live their life with the blessings of Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva is known for his miracles and great works. We also know lord shiva by different names like Bholenath, Bhootnath, Rudra, Neel Kanth, shivji, lord Shankar etc. According to Hindu beliefs, Lord Shiva is worshipped not only by humans but also by demon kings.

We all know how Lord Shiva is known for boons given to demon kings like Ravana, Bhasmasur etc. Lord Shiva is famous for his innocence, so he is called Bholenath. It is believed that whoever worships the lord shiva with a pure soul, all his sufferings end and wishes come true.

Lord Shiva is worshipped on the day of Maha Shivaratri and this grand festival is celebrated with great fervour. The worship of Lord Shiva is done by offering milk and bel Patra to the Shivling. The night of Shivaratri is considered very auspicious for the worship of Lord Shiva and people keep their fast and perform their method of worship.

Maha Shivaratri Muhurta

Maha Shivaratri on Friday, March 8, 2024

Nishita Kaal Puja Time - 00:06 to 00:55, Mar 09

Duration - 00 Hours 49 Mins

On 9th Mar, Shivaratri Parana Time - 06:36 to 15:28

Ratri First Prahar Puja Time - 18:25 to 21:28
Ratri Second Prahar Puja Time - 21:28 to 00:31, Mar 09
Ratri Third Prahar Puja Time - 00:31 to 03:33, Mar 09
Ratri Fourth Prahar Puja Time - 03:33 to 06:36, Mar 09

Significance of Maha Shivratri

Maha Shivratri is celebrated on the 4th day of Krishna paksha in the month of Phalgun. On this day the temple of Lord Shiva is decorated magnificently.
Shivratri is celebrated twice a year, first in the month of Phalguna and second in Shravan.
People keep a fast on this auspicious day and after worshipping Lord Shiva for the whole day, they join the grand festival of Maha Shivratri.
It is believed that Lord Shiva and Parvati were married on this day and some people also believe that on this day Lord Shiva danced Tandava nritya.
On this grand festival, people stay away from any evil work and also take a pledge that they will not do any evil deed.
This festival is very auspicious for the unmarried girls, so on this day all the girls worship Lord Shiva and pray for getting a good husband.
People's life is filled with happiness and positive thinking and everyone celebrates the festival of Maha Shivaratri with immense joy with their family.
People also go for pilgrimage on the occasion of Maha Shivaratri. It helps people to purify their soul.
According to Hindu stories, whoever worships Lord Shiva with true mind and determination, will get rid of his evil deeds and fulfil his desires.
People decorate their homes and the whole city is decorated with lavish decorations to please Lord Shiva. In the temples, the idol of Lord Shiva is magnificently prepared and the entire temple is lighted with lamps.
This festival brings immense happiness to children and elders and all the people forget their enmity and controversy and come together to worship lord shiva.

Rituals

On the day of Maha Shivaratri, People wake up early in the morning and bathe and wear clean clothes.
The temple of Lord Shiva is cleaned and decorated in a grand manner and sweets are kept for Bhog. Dhatura and Belpatra are also kept at the place of worship to offer on Shivling.
On the night of Shivratri, people worship lord shiva by offering dhatura, bel Patra and milk to shivling. After offering bhog, aarti of Lord Shiva is performed by all the peoples.
After the end of the puja, the prasad is given to all the people and the festival is celebrated by singing bhajans to Shiva.
On the day of Maha Shivaratri, it is very important to take care of some things such as not to touch alcohol, not to eat meat or fish, not to lie and stay away from any kind of bad habit.
On the day of Shivratri, Ganga water offered to Shivling, for which people go barefoot and bring Ganga water from a pure place.

On the day of Maha Shivaratri, Bhole Nath fulfils all the wishes of all his devotees. The problems and bad times of all people destroyed and they step towards their happiness on this auspicious day. Married and unmarried women get successful in fulfilling all their wishes. Bhole Nath, by his naivety, gives the desired groom to all unmarried girls. For the blessings of Lord Shiva, everyone celebrates Maha Shivaratri with true devotion and full faith.