Millions of people around the world celebrate Maha Shivaratri, a celebration dedicated to paying tribute to Lord Shiva in all of his guises, including the unwavering Rudra. The Rudrabhishek ceremony is a widely practiced ritual for worshiping Lord Shiva. It involves immersing the Shiva Lingam in a heavenly mixture of milk, honey, yogurt, Ganges water, and other ingredients. This ritual requests the blessings of Lord Shiva, channels positive energy, and has great significance in Hindu religion.

Mahashivratri 2024: Date, Time, History, and Why It Matters!

 

Maha Shivaratri 2024: Honoring Lord Shiva's Great Night

An annual Hindu holiday called Maha Shivaratri is observed in honor of Lord Shiva. It is regarded as the most sacred day of the year for Lord Shiva worship. Travelers from over the globe travel to India to see this occasion and explore the different Shiva temples. Devotees fetch water from various Ganges sources and present it to Lord Shiva on this auspicious day.

The celebration of Maha Shivaratri will take place this year on March 8, 2024, which is the Chaturdashi Tithi of the Krishna Paksha in the month of Phalguna.

Mahashivratri 2024: Check Puja Muhurat

Tithi	Date and Time
Mahashivratri Celebration	March 8, 2024
Chaturdashi Tithi Begins	March 8, 2024 - 09:57 PM
Chaturdashi Tithi End	March 9, 2024 - 06:17 PM
Ratri First Prahar Puja	March 8, 2024 - 05:54 PM to 08:56 PM
Ratri Second Prahar	March 8, 2024 - 08:56 PM to 11:57 PM
Ratri Third Prahar Puja	March 8, 2024   11:57 PM to March 9, 2024 - 02:58 AM
Ratri Fourth Prahar Puja	March 8, 2024 - 02:58 AM to March 9, 2024   06:00 AM
Nishitha Kaal	March 8, 2024 - 11:33 PM to March 9, 2024  12:21 AM
Shivratri Parana	March 9, 2024 – 06:00 AM to 02:56 PM

It's best not to do any rituals at midnight since it's thought to be extremely auspicious. The festivities begin on March 8 at 11:33 p.m. and run through March 9 at 12:21 a.m.

Significance of Maha Shivaratri 2024

One of the holiest occasions mentioned in Hindu texts is Maha Shivaratri, which is especially connected to Lord Shiva. Scriptures claim that on this day, Lord Shiva, as the ocean of milk was being stirred, freed the entire cosmos from ignorance and darkness. Lord Shiva is said to be bathed in milk, yogurt, bhang (cannabis), and water by all the sages, saints, and gods in order to lessen the effects of the lethal poison that was taken during the churning. Offering milk, bhang, cannabis, and sandalwood paste to Lord Shiva is still a part of this tradition.

An additional legend connected to this celebration is the union of Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva following her rigorous penance. It is thought that Goddess Parvati had to take 108 incarnations before she could marry Lord Shiva. Because of this, people pray to both of them simultaneously as they celebrate this holiday in all its grandeur and enthusiasm. Maha Shivaratri is regarded as a very fortunate day. Those who worship Lord Shiva on this sacred occasion are bestowed with joy and prosperity, and all of their aspirations are fulfilled.

How to Worship Lord Shiva on Maha Shivaratri 2024?

There are various ways to worship Lord Shiva. Let's explore:

1. Observing Fasting: With the utmost passion and attention, people can observe the Maha Shivaratri fast, following all the traditions. One of the most effective ways to cleanse the body, mind, and spirit is by fasting. Maha Shivaratri fasts can be done in three distinct ways, depending on your preferences.
2. Chanting Mantras: There are several spiritual advantages to reciting different Shiva mantras during Maha Shivaratri. Chanting mantras is a method to establish a connection with the divine force.
3. Offering Prasad: Present Lord Shiva with an array of auspicious offerings, including milk, yogurt, honey, ghee, sandalwood paste, sugarcane juice, bhang, cannabis, berries, and more. Presenting these things clears the atmosphere and gets rid of negativity.
4. Performing Rituals: The worship practice includes doing an aarti, offering flowers, and lighting lamps with desi ghee. It illuminates one's life.
5. Rudrabhishek: Rudrabhishek is performed at Shiva temples and is believed to bestow longevity and well-being.
6. Temple Visit: It is considered auspicious to visit Shiva temples on Maha Shivaratri, and it is strongly advised to ask for Lord Shiva's blessings.
7. Holy Bath: It is very auspicious to take a sacred dip in the Ganges on Maha Shivaratri. It eliminates all forms of hardship and infuses life with optimism.
8. Reading Sacred Texts: Another technique to appease Lord Shiva is to read or listen to religious works dedicated to him, such as the Shiva Tandava Stotram, Rudrashtakam, and Shiv Chalisa, among many others.

Frequently Asked Questions about Maha Shivaratri 2024

1. When is Maha Shivaratri in 2024?

Maha Shivaratri is observed on March 8, 2024, which is the Chaturdashi Tithi of the Krishna Paksha in the month of Phalguna.

2. Why is Maha Shivaratri celebrated?

           Maha Shivaratri is observed to pay tribute to Lord Shiva, who spared the planet from     oblivion and wed Goddess Parvati following her protracted penance. People from all around the world gather to celebrate this auspicious day with tremendous delight, making it a wonderful celebration.