Maha Shivaratri, The great night of Shiva is a famous festival in Hinduism, marking a remembrance of "overcoming darkness and ignorance" in life. It is observed by worshiping and remembering Lord Shiva and chanting prayers, keeping fast, meditating on ethics and virtues such as honesty, non-injury to others, charity, forgiveness.
Maha Shivaratri Information (2024)
Topic
| Information
|
Date
| March 8th, 2024
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Festival Name
| The Great Night of Shiva
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Meaning of Shivaratri
| The Great Night of Shiva
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Significance
| Celebrates the convergence of Shiva and Shakti
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Observances
| Fasting, meditation, night-long vigil, worship
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Duration
| One day and one night
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Rituals
| Abhishekam (ritual bathing of Shiva lingam), chanting mantras, offering prayers
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Cultural Significance
| Marks the wedding anniversary of Lord Shiva and Parvati
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Regions Celebrated
| Throughout India and among Hindu communities worldwide
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Traditions
| Keeping vigil, visiting temples, offering milk, honey, water to Shiva lingam
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Spiritual Importance
| Believed to cleanse sins and bestow blessings upon devotees
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Moon Phase
| Waning moon (Krishna Paksha)
|
What is Maha Shivararti?
Maha Shivaratri is one of the auspicious festivals of Hindus celebrated as the great reverence of Lord Shiva. It is a day observed as a memorial of the marriage of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. As per the Hindu Calendar it is celebrated every year on the 14th day of the dark half of the lunar month Magha or Falguna which is the month of February or March as per the english calendar. It is the night of krishna chaturdashi of the month Mgha or Falguna. In 2024 it will be celebrated on the 8th of March. As we know that Lord Shiva has many names such as Neelkanth, Kalyankari, Rudra, Bholenath, Bhole Baba, Shiv Shankar and many other names which devotees worship in every corner of the world.
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Why is Maha Shivaratri Celebrated?
Maha Shivaratri is celebrated as the wedding ceremony of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati which symbolizes divine love and marital bliss. As per the spiritual path on this day Shiva conquered all his enemies. As per another opinion this is the day on which Shiva became like mount Kailash- absolutely still. After meditation of long decades this is the day when he became utterly still. Shiva is considered as the Adi Guru. The science of Yoga originated from the Adi Guru. So people observe the night of Maha Shivaratri as the night of stillness also. It is the darkest night of the month. So Maha Shivaratri is observed as the night of darkness and stillness. Shiva literally means “Which is not” that indicates if you are really looking for big things, you will see the biggest presence in existence is a complete and vast emptiness. So you can experience the vast emptiness by observing Maha Shivaratri. This emptiness is present within every human being which is the source of all creation. According to legends on Maha Shivaratri Lord Shiva performed the dance of creation and destruction of the universe called as Tandava. It is also the day on which Lord Shiva swallowed the poison that came out of the milky ocean. The poison got stuck in his throat and his throat turned blue in colour. Thus Lord Shiva saved the universe by swallowing the poison and becoming Nilkantha.
When Will Maha Shivaratri be Celebrated in 2024?
On 8th March 2024, Friday.
Significance of Maha Shivaratri
It is a notable festival in Hinduism, marking a view of "overcoming darkness and ignorance" in life and It is notice for remembering Shiva and chanting prayers, fasting, and meditating on ethics and virtues such as honesty, non-injury to others, charity, forgiveness, and the discovery of Shiva. Here are some key aspects of Maha Shivratri:
Faithfulness of Lord Shiva: It is a day when many devotees express their dedication to lord shiva. Many people keep fasting as well, perform prayers and meditation to get his blessings.
Spiritual Awakening: The festival symbolizes the day when Lord shiva performed the dance called Tandava which is the symbol of creation, preservation and destruction. The devotees observe it as a chance for spiritual awakening and changes.
Marriage of Shiva and Parvati: According to Hindu legends, Maha Shivaratri marks the day when Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati got married. Devotees often revere this union as a symbol of divine love and marital bliss.
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Maha Shivaratri Rituals
There are numerous rituals and customs followed in Maha Shivaratri. Devotees keep fasting, worship the Shivling, offer their prayers to Lord Shiva. Some people participate in full night vigil called the Jagaran. Chant prayers - Om Namah Shivaya'' It is the perfect Mantra to chant on Maha Shivaratri as it immediately elevates your energy. People visit temples to worship Lord Shiva with milk, honey, flowers, fruit, incense etc. As per Shiva Mahapurana many things are essentially offered to Lord Shiva to worship. Those are milk, bilva patra, incense, bhang which is very dear to Bholenath, and white flowers. Some people also offer red chunari, vermilion, bangles etc. to goddess Parvati.
In conclusion, Maha Shivratri is more than just a religious and spiritual festival for every in India or World. This day is a symbol of spiritual renewal and seeking inner peace for devotee. In India, Maha Shivratri is celebrated through meditation, fasting, and devotion, participants strive to strengthen their connection with the divine and gain a deeper understanding of life's profound truths toward Shiva. This festival is a enlighten and emphasis on humility, self-discipline, and devotion encourages individuals to lead lives filled with compassion and spiritual awareness.