Maha Shivaratri 2024: Date, Rituals, and Significance

Feb 22 2024

Maha Shivaratri 2024: Date, Rituals, and Significance

Maha Shivaratri 2024: Every year, in honor of Lord Shiva, Maha Shivaratri is primarily a Hindu holiday. The day marks the marriage day of Lord Shiva. The day occurs either immediately before summer arrives or at the exact conclusion of winter, which is late February or early March.

In Hinduism, Maha Shivaratri 2024 is very significant because it is said to be the day that Lord Shiva does the divine dance of creation, preservation, and destruction. The belief among devotees is that if they observe Maha Shivaratri with fervor and austerity, they will be absolved of their sins and bestowed with rewards such as spiritual elevation and freedom from the cycle of birth and death.

Maha Shivaratri 2024: Date and Time

Maha Shivaratri 2024 on Friday, March 8

Nishita Kaal Puja Time – 12:07 am to 12:56 am, March 09

Duration – 00 Hours 48 Mins

On 9th Mar, Shivaratri Parana Time – 06:37 am to 03:29 am

Chaturdashi Tithi Begins – 09:57 PM on Mar 08, 2024

Chaturdashi Tithi Ends – 06:17 PM on Mar 09, 2024

Maha Shivratri 2024 Rituals

Typically, during this time, followers fast for the entire day and consume just little amounts of milk and fruits.
At night, Lord Shiva is worshipped at his numerous temples, and a unique rite known as “Rudrabhisheka” is carried out in which devotees wash the Lord in milk and present him with sweets and prayers.
Spiritual experts recommend meditating on this day and reciting “Om Namah Shivaya” as often as you can throughout the day.
On this day, married women offer special prayers for their husbands’ health and wellbeing.

Also Read: https://ptrahulshastri.com/chaitra-navratri-2024-date-time-significant/

Significance of Maha Shivaratri 2024

The most genuine legend, even though there are numerous explanations for why this day is known as Maha Shivratri, describes how Lord Shiva was contacted by gods from all over the universe to save them from a poison that the huge oceans were gushing out, endangering their very existence. Mahadev took the poison himself, keeping it in his throat with the help of a snake coiling around it to keep them safe. After the gods thanked the Lord for saving them, it is thought that the Lord himself will bestow life and health to anybody who observes a fast on this day and remembers Lord Shiva with fervor and devotion.

The reunion of Lord Shiva and Parvati on this day, following the creation of Sati, Shiva’s bride in the form of Parvati, is another tale associated with Maha Shivaratri 2024. According to legend, Sati offered herself up to the holy fire when her father humiliated Shiva in front of everyone during a gathering in his realm. This day is also recognized as the day that Mahadev’s avatar “Jyotirlinga” was aroused.

Maha Shivaratri 2024 Fasting Rules

On Shivratri, the fast lasts all day and all night. It begins at sunrise. The Panchang suggests that the fasting should end during the Parana period on the following day.
During Shivratri, fasting is doubly beneficial when combined with a nightly vigil. Shiv Puja needs to be performed during the vigil, either at home or at a temple. Fasting strictly means not eating, drinking, or using water during the fast. Fruits, milk, and water can be consumed during the softer type of fasting.
The most crucial part of fasting is avoiding negative people, negative thoughts, and negative speech. The devotee must abstain from all evils and put virtues into practice.
The best recommended actions for devotees are to stay on the temple premises, chant the names of Lord Shiva, and pay attention to the Lord’s glory.
Learning to restrain urges and gain control over one’s senses is the essence of vigil and fasting. The person’s body, mind, and soul are purified when their pure state of mind is directed toward the Lord.