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.
Along with Diwali, Holi, Dussehra, and Rakshabandhan, many festivals 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 2024 Date & Time
The sacred day ‘Maha Shivaratri’ celebration will begin at 9.57 PM on 8 March as the start of Chaturdashi. The Chaturdashi time will end at 6:17 PM on 9th March. Mahashivratri fast will be observed on 8th March because of Pradosh Kaal.
Maha Shivaratri History
The auspicious festival of Maha Shivratri is celebrated in 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 every year, a Maha Shivaratri, or the great night of Shiva takes place in the late winter and before the arrival of summer. 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 he 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 2024 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 believe 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 can 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, and meditating. The staunch believers 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 2024 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 a very Happy Maha Shivratri!
- Maa Parvati and Mahadev may bring lots of happiness, prosperity, peace, and success to your way, Happy Shivratri!
- I wish you a 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 2024 FAQs
A. Chaturdashi Tithi begins at 9:57 PM on March 8, Friday and Parana Time is 06:37 AM to 03:29 PM, on March 9, 2024.
A. Nishita Kaal Puja Time is 12:07 AM to 12:56 AM, March 09, 2024.
A. The Shivratri fast will be observed on 8 March 2024, Friday.