Mahashivratri 2024: Time, Date, History, and Importance of Maha Shivratri
Every year, Hindus celebrate Mahashivratri, a celebration dedicated to Lord Shiva. It takes place on March 8, 2024, and is observed with a variety of customs, such as reciting holy scriptures written by Lord Shiva, fasting, chanting mantras, making offerings, and participating in Rudrabhishek. Another legend connected to this celebration recounts Lord Shiva's marriage to Goddess Parvati following Mother Parvati's intense penance.
Ankush Pandey
Mahashivratri 2024:
Mahashivratri is an annual Hindu festival that is celebrated, in honor of Lord Shiva. It's regarded as the most revered day of the year to honor Lord Shiva. Traveling to India to witness this event and visit different Shiva temples, devotees gather from all over the world. People gather water from several Ganga sources on this auspicious day and offer Lord Shiva pure Ganga Jal.
This year, Maha Shivratri will be observed on March 8, 2024, which is Chaturdashi Tithi of Krishna Paksha in Phalguna Month.
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 Ends | March 9, 2024, 06:17 PM |
| Ratri First Prahar Puja | March 8, 2024, 05:54 PM to 08:56 PM |
| Ratri Second Prahar Puja | March 8, 2024 from 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 |
Since Nishitha Kaal is not thought to be auspicious, it is advised that people avoid performing puja at that time, which begins on March 8 and ends at 11:33 PM and 12:21 AM on March 9.
Mahashivratri 2024: Importance
One of the holiest festivals in Hindu scriptures is Maha Shivratri. This festival has a particular connection to Lord Shiva. According to the scriptures, it was the day that Lord Shiva consumed all of the poison created when the ocean was being churned, thus saving the entire cosmos from darkness and ignorance. And to commemorate this day, people fast strictly and worship Lord Shiva. People still perform the ceremony of giving Lord Shiva milk, bhang dhatura, and sandalwood because it is thought that all the sages and deities bathe him in milk, bhang, and curd to lessen the effects of that dangerous poison.
This festival also commemorates the tale of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati's marriage following Maa Parvati's rigorous penance. Goddess Parvati is said to have had 108 births before marrying Lord Shiva. People therefore pray for both of them at the same time to celebrate this holiday with tremendous grandeur and zeal. This event is regarded as being very fortunate, and those who pray to Lord Shiva on this holy day are bestowed with happiness and prosperity, and Lord Shiva grants all of the wishes of his followers.
Mahashivratri 2024: On Maha Shivratri, how should one worship Lord Shiva?
Let's learn more about the various methods by which Lord Shiva can be worshipped:-
Observe Fast -
With great commitment and concentration, people can keep the Mahashivratri fast and adhere to all the customs. It is ideal to observe the fast during this time to cleanse your body, mind, and soul. Check out the three different ways to observe the Maha Shivratri fast here.
Mantra Chanting -
On the day of Mahashivratri, reciting different Shiva mantras has numerous spiritual advantages. Another technique to communicate with the highest force is through mantra chanting.
Offerings -
Offerings to Lord Shiva include milk, curd, honey, ghee, sugar powder, sandalwood paste, sugarcane juice, gangajal, bhang, dhatura, ber, and other auspicious foods. Giving these items away can clear the aura and fend off bad energy.
Puja Rituals -
Puja entails making an aarti, presenting flowers, and lighting a diya with desi cow ghee. This leads to life's enlightenment.
Rudrabhishekam -
Rudrabhishekam must be performed at Shiva temples in order to bring longevity and well-being into one's life.
Visiting Temple -
On the day of Mahashivratri, it is considered auspicious to visit a Shiva temple and seek Lord Shiva's blessings.
Holy Bath -
One of the main Hindu festivals is Mahashivratri, and on this auspicious day, bathing in the Ganga River is said to be meritorious. By doing this, devotees' lives are filled with happiness and are freed from all forms of pain.
Listening or Reciting the holy books -
Reading the Shiva Chalisa, Rudrashtakam, Shivatandav Stotram, and many more scriptures devoted to Lord Shiva is another way to worship him on the day of Maha Shivratri. In addition, people can participate in listening to Lord Shiva-focused bhajans and mantras.
Mahashivratri 2024: FAQs
In 2024, when is Maha Shivratri?
This year, on March 8, 2024, Mahashivratri will be celebrated on Chaturdashi Tithi of Krishna Paksha, which falls in the month of Phalguna.
Why is Mahashivratri observed?
The celebration of Mahashivratri commemorates Lord Shiva for saving the entire universe from destruction and for being the fortunate day that, after much waiting and patience, he married Goddess Parvati. Thus, people unite to joyfully celebrate this day with others from all around the world.
