Maha Shivaratri, a highly anticipated Hindu festival, is scheduled to be commemorated nationwide on March 8, 2024. This auspicious occasion is dedicated to venerating Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, and is marked with fervent devotion and elaborate rituals to pay homage to the destroyer and most compassionate God of the universe, Lord Shiva.
Signifying the union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, Maha Shivaratri is joyously celebrated as ‘The Night of Lord Shiva’, a festive acknowledgment of their divine union. The occasion holds immense significance for devotees across the country.
According to the Hindu calendar, Maha Shivaratri falls on the Chaturdashi Tithi of Krishna Paksha in the Phalgun month. This year, the celebrations are scheduled for March 8, 2024, which falls on a Friday, adding to the excitement surrounding this joyous event. Notably, this festival takes precedence over all other Masik Shivaratri observances that occur monthly.
Devotees interested in participating in the festivities should take note of the Puja timings, which are as follows:
– Chaturdashi Tithi commences at 9:57 pm on March 8
– Chaturdashi Tithi ends at 6:17 pm on March 9
– Nishita Kaal Puja takes place between 2:07 am and 12:56 am on March 9
– Shivaratri Parana is observed from 06:37 am to 03:29 am on March 9
The observance of Maha Shivaratri is characterized by a series of rituals and traditions which hold deep spiritual significance. Devotees observe a day-long fast, engage in meditation, recite mantras and prayers, and undertake various rituals associated with Lord Shiva.
Visits to Lord Shiva’s temple are a customary practice, with devotees offering ‘Panchamrit’, a sacred mixture of milk, curd, honey, sugar, and ghee. Furthermore, the worship of Lord Shiva involves the use of several items including Supari, Roli, Moli, Akshat, Paan, Chandan, Doodh, Laung, Elaichi, Dahi, Ghee, Parijat, Honey, Dhatura, Kapoor, and Bel Patra.
A vital aspect of the worship is the ‘Jal Visarjan’ of Shivling. This entails applying a paste of chandan on Shivling and offering the Panchamrit mixture along with the Om Namah Shivay chant. Such customs are performed with utmost devotion and reverence during the festival.
Maha Shivaratri is a time for devotees to express their unwavering devotion to Lord Shiva and seek his blessings. The festival is a beautiful representation of faith, love, and spirituality, and it serves as a poignant reminder of the profound significance of Lord Shiva in the Hindu faith.
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