Maha Shivaratri 2024 Day and Time: Converting right into the ‘Excellent Evening of Shiva,’ Maha Shivratri is an auspicious and among one of the most significant Hindu festivals. Below’s everything you require to know.
Maha Shivaratri 2024 History: Maha Shivratri is a significant Hindu event celebrated yearly in honour of Lord Shiva, one of the major divine beings of Hinduism understood for his duty as the destroyer and transformer within the Trimurti.
As it is renowned widely in India, Nepal, and by Hindus throughout the globe, here’s all you need to understand about Maha Shivratri, from date to history, routines, importance and even more
When is Maha Shivratri 2024: Date and Timings
Maha Shivratri is observed on Chaturdashi Tithi (fourteenth day) of Krishna Paksha in the lunar month of Phalgun according to the Hindu calendar Drik Panchang. It occurs when yearly, commonly in February or March, marking the change from winter months to spring and summer season, thereby highlighting the styles of renewal and rejuvenation.
Translating into the ‘Great Night of Shiva,’ Maha Shivratri is an auspicious event taken into consideration for receiving Lord Shiva’s blessings and eliminating fate, and it is thought that the powers of Lord Shiva are most obtainable on this night.
It is marked by a night and day of fasting, petitions, and reflections, during which supporters worship Lord Shiva and contemplate principles and merits such as honesty, non-injury to others, charity, forgiveness, and the discovery of Shiva.
In the year 2024, Maha Shivratri will be celebrated on March 8th, that is Wednesday. Below are the details timings for various significant rituals are as follows:
Chaturdashi Tithi starts at: 09:57 pm on 8 March 2024
Chaturdashi Tithiends at:06:17 pm on 9 March 2024
Nishita Kaal Puja: 2:07 am to 12:56 get on 9 March 2024
Shivaratri Parana: 06:37 am to 03:29 am
Read – Rahul Gandhi Likely To Reveal 10-Point Survey Pledge For Youth, Unemployed In MP Rally
Maha Shivratri 2024: Mythical History
The mythological history of Maha Shivratri has abundant social and mythical beginnings, representing various crucial aspects of Lord Shiva. Some of the most prominent stories related to Maha Shivratri include:
Marital relationship of Shiva and Parvati: One of the most preferred tales is that Maha Shivratri marks the day when Lord Shiva wed Goddess Parvati. This union is commemorated as it symbolizes the harmony of the mind and heart, as well as the convergence of manly and womanly powers in the universe.
Samudra Manthan (Churning of the Milky Sea): According to this saga, throughout the procedure of Samudra Manthan by the gods and satanic forces to acquire amrita (the nectar of immortality), a pot of toxin emerged from the sea. This poisonous substance was so powerful that it can damage the entire world. To shield the globe, Shiva taken in the poisonous substance, and Parvati, his accompaniment, touched his throat, which transformed blue as a result of the poisonous substance. Hence, Shiva is additionally called Neelkanth (the one with heaven throat). Maha Shivratri commemorates this act of conserving deep space.
Shiva’s Cosmic Dancing: It is additionally thought that Maha Shivratri is the night when Lord Shiva performs the divine dancing of development, preservation, and destruction. This dance is called tandava, and it is believed to be the resource of the cycle of production, preservation, and dissolution in deep space.
Shiva Lingam: An additional substantial aspect of Maha Shivratri associates with the praise of the Shiva Lingam, standing for Shiva’s formless facet. Legends claim that on now, Shiva shown up as a lingam for the first time. Enthusiasts observe fasts, perform rituals, and offer milk, water, bel leaves, and fruits to the Shiva Lingam, seeking true blessings for health and moksha (freedom from the cycle of birth and fatality).
Maha Shivratri 2024: Relevance and RitualsReferenced in ancient bibles such as the Skanda Purana, Linga Purana, and Padma Purana, Maha Shivratri holds a much deeper relevance than lots of realise. The method of fasting from daybreak to sunset on this day is more than a routine; it’s an action in the direction of resolving lack of knowledge and uncovering one’s true self, attracting blessings and prosperity, and clear away previous misdoings and rebounding. It’s a possibility to reflect, reconnect with the divine, and embark on a course of spiritual growth.
People chant the shlok “Om Namah Shivay” all evening and while offerings to Lord Shiva, that include fallen leaves of the bilva tree, dhatura, milk, fruits, and sugary foods, producing a setting full of commitment, spirituality, and magnificent presence.
As some additionally watch it as the divine union of Lord Shiva and Siren Parvati, it stands for the best balance of power and power. Others remember the tale of Lord Shiva safeguarding the world from darkness by eating dangerous poison that appeared throughout the planetary sea’s churning, highlighting exactly how this spiritual trip can cause freedom from the limitless cycle of birth and fatality.
Generally, it’s thought that Lord Shiva executes his planetary dancing of Tandava on Maha Shivratri, representing the natural cycles of creation, maintenance, and dissolution of the universe. Praying to Lord Shiva on this advantageous day is thought to cleanse transgressions and overview individuals on a path of merit.
Maha Shivratri is celebrated across India with various customs and traditions. In north states, fans quickly and check out Shiva temples, while in southerly states like Tamil Nadu, grand celebrations at temples like the Annamalaiyar are observed. In the western Indian state of Maharashtra, individuals shout prayers and deal thandai. In West Bengal and Odisha, single woman fans fast for an appropriate husband and pleased wedded life.