Maha Shivratri is a festival dedicated to Lord Shiva, celebrated with devotion by Hindus. It falls in the Hindu month of Phalguna (February-March), the night dedicated to worshipping Lord Shiva. "Shivratri" means "the great night of Shiva", and devotees fast, meditate, chant mantras, and perform rituals throughout the night to honour Shiva.
Significance of Maha Shivaratri Puja
Maha Shivratri represents the union and energies of Shiva and Shakti, that sustain the universe. It's also believed that on this night, Lord Shiva performed Tandava, the cosmic dance of creation, preservation, and destruction.
Shivratri is also symbolic of overcoming ignorance and darkness, bringing in the light of knowledge and truth. Devotees believe that sincere worship on this night can lead to liberation (Moksha).
Maha Shivratri Puja 2024 Auspicious Time
Muhurat & Tithi | Date | Timing |
Beginning of Falgun Krishna Chaturdashi Tithi | 8th March 2024 | 09:57 AM |
End of Falgun Krishna Chaturdashi Tithi | 9th March 2024 | 06:17 PM |
Muhurat of Nishita Puja of Mahashivratri | 8th March 2024 | From 12:07 AM to 12:56 AM |
Maha Shivratri Night Four Prahar Worship Auspicious Timings
Muhurat & Tithi | Date | Timing |
Night First Prahar Puja | 8th March 2024 | From 06:29 PM to 09:33 PM |
Night Second Prahar Puja | 9th March 2024 | From 09:33 PM TO 12:57 AM |
Night Third Prahar Puja | 9th March 2024 | From 12:37 AM to 03:40 AM |
Night Fourth Prahar Puja | 9th March 2024 | From 03:40 AM to 06:44 AM |
Spiritual Practices During Maha Shivratri Puja
Maha Shivratri is a night of an opportunity to purify the soul and deepen one’s connection with Lord Shiva. Devotees seek the blessings of Lord Shiva for health and happiness through fasting, meditation, chanting, and worship.
- Devotees observe a fast throughout the day and night, breaking it only after performing the Puja on the next morning. Some follow a strict fast (without food or water), while others consume only fruits and milk.
- It is customary to stay awake all night (Jagran), singing hymns, chanting mantras and meditating. The night vigil or Jagran symbolizes the awakening of one’s inner consciousness.
- Maha Shivratri is an excellent time for deep meditation. Devotees focus on their inner selves, seeking Lord Shiva's guidance in eliminating ignorance, ego and worldly attachments.
- Offering Bel Patra to the Shivling is considered especially meritorious, as it is believed to calm Lord Shiva’s fiery nature and invoke his blessings.
Benefits of Maha Shivratri Puja
Maha Shivratri offers benefits like peace of mind, better health, stronger relationships, and spiritual growth. It's a time to connect with Lord Shiva, seek his blessings for prosperity and well-being.
- Worshipping Lord Shiva on Maha Shivratri night brings his blessings, protection and guidance on a spiritual journey.
- Maha Shivratri helps to overcome ego, desires and attachments, making one feel clear-minded.
- Fasting on Maha Shivratri helps cleanse the body and give the digestive system a break, leading to detoxification.
- Chanting mantras and performing rituals boost energy and strengthen the body.
- Couples and families who pray together on Maha Shivratri believe it strengthens their bond and brings harmony.
- Shiva is known as the conqueror of death and worshipping him on Maha Shivratri helps one to overcome from the fear of death and other insecurities.
- Praying to Shiva, especially with the Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra, is believed to protect you from accidents, illness and misfortune.
- Meditating on Shiva during this time helps you experience a deeper understanding of life and the universe.
