One of the most revered Hindu festivals, Maha Shivratri, holds immense importance in Hindu culture and spirituality. It is a day dedicated to honoring Lord Shiva, the supreme god of destruction and regeneration, and celebrating his divine presence in the universe. Maha Shivaratri, also known as the “Great Night of Shiva”, is celebrated annually between February and March, a time of intense spiritual contemplation and devotion among millions of devotees around the world.
Understanding Maha Shivratri
According to the Hindu calendar, Maha Shivratri is celebrated on the fourteenth day (Chaturdashi) of the Krishna Paksha of the month of Phalguna or Magha. It symbolizes the convergence of divine energies and serves as an opportunity for devotees to seek blessings, overcome darkness, and embrace spiritual enlightenment. On this auspicious day, devotees observe fast, engage in prayers, and duly worship Lord Shiva to seek His divine grace and blessings.
When is Maha Shivratri celebrated?
In the year 2024, Maha Shivratri will be celebrated on March 8, an important day of spiritual observance for Hindus around the world. This festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion by various states of India and Hindu communities across the world. It is a time of joyous celebration and deep introspection, as devotees come together to honor the cosmic significance of Lord Shiva and his eternal presence in the universe.
Importance of Maha Shivratri
Maha Shivratri holds immense religious and cultural significance for Hindus. It is believed that this is the day when planetary positions are favorable for spiritual practices and inner transformation. Devotees believe that observing fast, praying, and meditating on Lord Shiva during this auspicious time can bring profound spiritual growth and blessings in one’s life. It is a time to purify the mind, body, and soul and seek divine intervention for peace, prosperity, and well-being.
Auspicious time of Maha Shivratri
- On March 8, 2024, Chaturdashi Tithi (fourteenth day) will start at 09:57 PM and end at 6:17 PM on March 9.
- During this time, devotees offer special prayers, rituals, and offerings to Lord Shiva. His divine blessings and grace.
- The night of Maha Shivaratri is considered particularly auspicious, as it is associated with the divine dance of Lord Shiva, known as Tandava, which symbolizes the eternal cycle of creation, preservation, and destruction.
Devotion in Shiva temples
Shiva temples see a significant influx of devotees on Maha Shivaratri, who come to offer prayers, perform rituals, and participate in the night-long vigil, known as ‘Jagran’. Devotees sing hymns, sing devotional songs, and express their reverence towards Lord Shiva through various offerings like ‘bilva’ leaves, milk, honey, and water. It is a time of intense spiritual communion and devotion, as devotees seek to connect with the divine presence of Lord Shiva and seek his blessings.
Stories related to Mahashivratri
According to the first legend
Lord Shiva first appeared in the form of Shivalinga on the Chaturdashi date of Krishna Paksha of Phalgun month. For this reason, this date is celebrated as Mahashiv Ratri every year as the festival of manifestation of Jyotirlinga of Lord Shiva.
According to Shiv Purana, ‘Linga’, the symbol of the formless form of Lord Shiva, appeared in the Mahanisha on the holy date of Shivratri and was first worshiped by Brahma and Vishnu. It is said in Skanda Purana that the sky itself is a linga, the earth is its back or base and everything is born from an infinite void and because of the rhythm in it, it is called a linga.
According to another mythological story
Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati met on Mahashivratri. On the date of Phalgun Chaturdashi, Lord Shiva left renunciation and entered household life by marrying Goddess Parvati. For this reason, the festival of Mahashivratri is celebrated every year on Phalgun Chaturdashi date to celebrate the marriage of Lord Shiva and Mother Parvati.
On this day, Shiva devotees take out the procession of Lord Shiva at many places on Mahashivratri. According to religious beliefs, fasting, worship and Jalabhishek on Mahashivratri remove all kinds of problems related to marital life and bring happiness and prosperity in married life. Apart from this, all the twelve Jyotirlingas were revealed on the day of Mahashivratri. For this reason, the festival of Mahashivratri is celebrated to celebrate the appearance of 12 Jyotirlingas.
Spiritual awakening on Maha Shivratri
For yogis and seekers on the path of self-realization, Maha Shivaratri has deep spiritual significance. It is believed that on this auspicious night, the energy centers within the body called ‘Chakras’, align with cosmic energy, facilitating spiritual awakening and enlightenment. Devotees engage in meditation, introspection, and self-reflection, seeking to deepen their spiritual connection with the divine and attain higher states of consciousness.
Also Read: Mahashivratri: See Where Lord Shiva Got Married and More Such Interesting Facts About Him!!
Maha Shivratri is a celebration of divine love, devotion, and reverence towards Lord Shiva. It is a time to contemplate the eternal presence of the divine within oneself and in the universe. Through prayers, rituals, and acts of devotion, devotees seek to purify their hearts and minds, surrender to the divine will, and seek blessings.
Also Read: Tungnath: Trip to the Highest Shiv Temple, “Lord of the Peaks”