Celebrated in honor of Lord Shiva, Maha Shivratri is part of a rich tradition and involves several sacred rituals to deepen the spiritual connection between devotees and the divine. It is generally observed in the months of February or March, based on the correct value tithi in Hindu calemdar – the fourteenth (Chaturdashi) day of the dark fortnight of the lunar month Phalguna or Magha. This year, that day falls on March 8, 2024. Maha Shivratri has immense spiritual significance and is celebrated in many states in the country.
On March 8, 2024, the Chaturdashi Tithi will start at 9:57 PM and end on March 9 at 6:17 PM. The Nishita Kaal Puja time starts at 12:07 AM and ends on March 9 at 12:56 PM.
In addition, there is the auspicious time on March 8 during the first phase (pahar or three hours) starts at 6:25 PM and lasts until 9:28 PM. In the second phase, the auspicious time starts on March 8 at 9:28 PM and lasts until 12:31 AM on March 9.
The puja begins with painstaking preparation, during which devotees purify their minds, bodies and environment to create an auspicious atmosphere.
Some devotees also decorate their homes with fragrant flowers, incense sticks and sacred symbols while fasting and abstaining from worldly indulgences to purify their souls and invoke the blessings of Lord Shiva.
Central to the Maha Shivratri puja is the sacred bath, or 'Abishekam', in which the Shiva Lingam is bathed with milk, yoghurt, honey, ghee and holy water, symbolizing purity and divine grace. Each offering carries profound symbolism, evoking the divine attributes of Lord Shiva and invoking his blessings for spiritual growth and fulfillment.
Devotees offer bilva leaves, known as the 'Bilva Patra', with deep reverence as these leaves are believed to be dear to Lord Shiva. The three leaves symbolize the three aspects of consciousness – waking, dreaming and deep sleep – and offering them to the Shiva Lingam signifies the surrender of the ego and the attainment of spiritual awakening.
Similarly, the Rudraksha beads have immense significance in Maha Shivratri rituals as they are believed to embody the tears of Lord Shiva. Devotees chant sacred mantras and perform meditation, counting each bead with devotion, in an attempt to attune their consciousness to the divine vibrations of Lord Shiva.
In some places, devotees engage in 'Jagaran', the night vigil, singing hymns, singing devotional songs and telling stories about Lord Shiva. Offerings of fruits, sweets and “Prasad” are distributed among the devotees.
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