The devotees of lord Shiva, celebrate this day with full of enthusiasm. Festivals are one of the core pillars of India’s rich cultural heritage, Maha Shivratri or Maha Shivaratri is one of the auspicious festivals in India.
India is the only country in the world where almost every day is a celebration. This is because our country is a union of 28 states and 9 union territories where different people with different cultures and different religions reside.
Hindu, which is followed by the majority of the population (almost 80%) in the country, has more festivals and holidays than any other religion in India.
Along with Diwali, Holi, Dussehra, and Rakshabandhan, there are many festivals that are celebrated for a particular god. One of these festivals is Mahashivratri.
It is celebrated to honor the glory of Lord Shiva, the Word “Maha Shivaratri” means “The Great Night of Shiva”. It also refers to the night when Lord Shiva performs the heavenly dance called Tandava.
Maha Shivaratri 2023 Date & Time
The sacred day ‘Maha Shivaratri’ celebration will begin at 8.02 PM on, 18th February. The Chaturdashi time will end at 4:18 PM on 19 Feb.
The auspicious Puja for Maha Shivaratri will be observed in four faces and the auspicious time to worship Lord Shiva in four faces is:
Shivratri Parana Time: 6:56 AM to 3:24 PM on 19th Feb 2023
- The first puja phase will be held on Feb 18, from 6:13 PM to 9:24 PM
- The second phase of the puja will be held on Feb 19 from 9:24 PM to 12:35 AM
- The third phase of the puja will be held on Feb 19 from 12:35 AM to 3:46 AM
- The fourth phase of the puja will be held on Feb 19 from 3:46 AM to 6:56 AM
- Chaturdashi Tithi begins at 8:02 PM on Feb 18
- Chaturdashi Tithi ends at 4:18 PM on Feb 19
Maha Shivaratri History
The auspicious festival of Maha Shivratri is celebrated in the month of February/ March, according to the Gregorian Calendar.
According to the lunisolar Hindu Calendar, every month, the day before the new moon, there is a Shivaratri which means the night of Shiva and falls on the 13th night and 14th day.
But once in every year, a Maha Shivaratri or the great night of Shiva takes place in the late winters and before the arrival of summers.
According to the North Indian Hindu calendar, the day falls in the month of Phalguna, which is the last month of the Hindu calendar while it falls in the month of Magha, according to the South Indian Hindu Calendar.
According to Hindu mythology, there are many stories behind the celebration of Maha Shivaratri. Most of the Hindus believe that Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati got married on this day.
Another story is that when Lord Indra and other gods lost their power as they were cursed by a great saint, Lord Vishnu suggested him to go for Samudra Manthan, which means churning the ocean.
During the Samudra Manthan, a threatening poison emerged which was so dangerous that it could destroy the whole world, at that time Lord Shiva came to rescue the world.
He drank the poison and protected the world from the demolition. After drinking that poison his throat turned blue, that is he is also known as Neelkantha, which means someone with a blue throat.
Maha Shivaratri 2023 Significance
The Maha Shivaratri is mentioned in many Hindu religious texts including Skanda Purana, Linga Purana, Padma Purana, etc.
This auspicious festival is a very significant one, which marks a remembrance of overcoming darkness and ignorance, unlike the other Hindu festivals, it is celebrated at night.
It is said that Lord Shiva removes all the troubles, sadness and bad vibes from his devotees’ life and people also believed that girls who fast on this day get the desired husband.
It is the day when one can work on letting go of all bad habits and beginning a new journey of truthfulness and righteousness so that we could ultimately attain Moksha on the day of Judgment.
How is Maha Shivaratri Celebrated?
The celebration takes place in India, and people celebrate it according to the culture and customs of their respective regions.
It is observed by remembering Lord Shiva through chanting mantras and prayers, fasting for the lord, meditating. The staunch believer or devotees of Lord Shiva keep awake all night, which is called Jagran.
People visit the temple to offer prayer, flowers, belpatra (bel leaves), sweets and pour water/milk on Shiva Linga.
Chanting the mantras of Om Namah Shivay, Om Namo Bhagwate Rudraye While offering the prayer gives you positive energy from inside. The enthusiasm and devotion of Shiv Bhakts for the lord on this day, can’t be described in words.
So don’t get surprised if you witness a massive crowd gathered to offer prayers in various Shiva temples or Jyotirlingas throughout the country.
Maha Shivratri 2023 Wishes, SMS & Status
- I wish that the great lord Shiva always bless you and your loved ones.
- May the power of God Shivji always stay with you and your family, Wish you very Happy Maha Shivratri!
- Maa Parvati and Mahadev may bring lots of happiness, prosperity, peace, success to your way, Happy Shivratri!
- I wish you Happy Shivratri, may Lord Shiva bless you joy and great health!
- Shiv hai pure Brahmand Ka Rakhwala, Jag Raksha ke liye pee jata hai vish ka pyala, tabhi to Neelkanth Kehlata, Jai Shambhu!
- Teri Bhakti mein jo dooba, wo tair ke har mushkil paar hua, Mahadev tu dayalu bada, mujhe tujhse bepanaah pyar hua!
Maha Shivratri 2023 FAQs
A. Chaturdashi Tithi begins at 8:02 PM on Feb 18 and Parana Time is 6:56 AM to 3:24 PM on 19th Feb 2023
A. Nishita Kaal Puja Time is 12:09 AM to 01:00 AM on Feb 19
A. The Shivratri fast will be observed on 18th Feb, Sat 2023
