[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]“Mahashivratri” is the day of Shiva. Wherever there is beauty, truth, and benevolence, there is Shiva. And, there is no place where the Shiva principle is absent. But, Shiva is not a person. It is that principle which is the summum bonum of the whole creation and pervades the entire universe. This principle, called the Shiva Tattva, is the quintessence of life and is present deep within every living being.
This year Shivratri falls on the 18th of February, 2023.
Ratri First Prahar Puja Time – 06:13 PM to 09:24 PM
Ratri Second Prahar Puja Time – 09:24 PM to 12:35 AM, Feb 19
Ratri Third Prahar Puja Time – 12:35 AM to 03:46 AM, Feb 19
Ratri Fourth Prahar Puja Time – 03:46 AM to 06:56 AM, Feb 19[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
Significance of MahaShivratri:
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Several legends explain the significance of Mahashivratri. One of the most popular legends associated with the festival is the story of Lord Shiva and Parvati’s marriage. It is believed that Mata Parvati did severe penance to marry Lord Shiva. Mata Parvati, after doing austere penance, finally succeeded in winning the heart of Lord Shiva and Her marriage with Him took place a day before the new moon in the month of Phalgun. It is also known as the coming together of Shiva and Shakti and spiritually it symbolizes the union of knowledge and energy.
Another legend associated with MahaShivratri is the story of King Chitrabhanu, who is said to have attained enlightenment on this day. According to the legend, King Chitrabhanu was a devout follower of Lord Shiva and had been fasting for several days in anticipation of the festival. On the night of Maha Shivratri, he had a vision of Lord Shiva and attained enlightenment. This legend serves as an inspiration for many devotees who fast and perform rituals on this day to seek blessings from Lord Shiva. Hence, lots of devotes of Lord Shiva perform fasting/vrath on this day.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
Maha Shivratri Puja Vidhi:
Maha Shivratri Puja Vidhi, the method of worship for Maha Shivratri, is the set of rituals and prayers performed to honor Lord Shiva on the auspicious day of Maha Shivratri. The puja vidhi includes a series of steps to be followed in a specific order to ensure the purity and sanctity of the puja.
1. Maha Shivratri Puja Vidhi
The first step of the puja vidhi is to clean and purify the puja area by sprinkling Gangajal and spreading cow dung. This is followed by the installation of the Shivling, which is the symbol of Lord Shiva. The Shivling is then smeared with a mixture of sandalwood paste, kumkum, and turmeric powder. The next step is to offer flowers, fruits, and sweets to the Shivalinga as a symbol of devotion.
2. Maha Shivratri Puja Aarti
After this, the devotees perform the shiv aarti. They light lamps and camphor in front of the Shivling, accompanied by singing devotional songs. The aarti is performed three times, once at the beginning, once in the middle, and once at the end of the puja. After the aarti, the devotees offer milk, honey, and fruits to the Shivling as a symbol of devotion. The puja vidhi concludes with the distribution of prasad among the devotees as a symbol of blessings from Lord Shiva.
3. The Legend Behind Maha Shivratri Vidhi
Maha Shivratri Puja Vidhi is a powerful way to connect with Lord Shiva and seek his blessings. It is believed that by performing the puja vidhi with devotion and sincerity, one can attain inner peace, prosperity, and happiness. The Maha Shivratri Puja Vidhi is also believed to purify the mind and soul and bring blessings of Lord Shiva to the devotees. It is a powerful way to connect with the divine and is considered to be one of the most important and auspicious days for the followers of Lord Shiva.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
Background of Maha Shivratri
As the stories go, Maha Shivratri holiday is celebrated with great enthusiasm. On this day, Lord Shiva performed the Tandav dance to celebrate his victory over the demon, Tripurasura, who had been causing trouble for the gods and sages. He also did this to destroy the ego and ignorance of all living beings, leading them to the path of enlightenment. The dance is also said to represent the cycle of creation, preservation, and destruction in the universe.
The Tandav dance is also seen as Lord Shiva’s way of showing his power, energy, and his ability to destroy the universe and recreate it again.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
5 things to do on MahaShivratri
1. Perform Pujas of Lord Shiva
Pujas are considered to be the most beneficial form of praising the Gods. It is said, Pujas that are performed on Mahashivratri for Lord Shiva removes negativity and an individual gets blessings of both, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. The puja involves offering milk, honey, datura and bilva leaves to Lord Shiva and reciting hymns and mantras in his honour.
2. Fasting/ Vrat
As mentioned lots of devotees perform fasting on this day. It is believed that fasting on this day is considered to be auspicious and this brings the blessings and grace of Lord Shiva. Mahashivaratri Vrat is considered very beneficial for unmarried women as well. It is believed that the girls who fast on Shivratri get married soon. Fasting also helps in purifying the mind, body and soul and is considered an act of self-discipline and devotion.
3. Wear a Rudraksha Mala
Rudraksha are known to be the gift of Lord Shiva to humanity. Rudraksha are mentioned in 14 ancient scriptures. Lord Shiva is himself is depicted wearing various Rudraksha. To get Recommendation on which Rudraksha is best for you for your Growth.
4. Chanting the name of Lord Shiva
One way to please Lord Shiva also known as ‘MahaDev’, is through devotion. This can be done by regularly reciting his mantras, such as “Om Namah Shivaya”. Chanting the name of Shiva “Namah Shivaya” is a Panchakshari mantra, which finds mention in Rudradhyaye, which is a subdivision of Yajurved.
5. Visit a Lord Shiva temple
Visiting a Lord Shiva temple on Mahashivratri is very beneficial hence lakhs of devotees each year on Mahashivratri visit the Jyotirlinga temples. As mentioned in Shiv Puranas, there are 12 major Jyotirlinga temples in India. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
