Maha Shivratri, also known as the “Great Night of Shiva,” is a revered Hindu festival celebrated with great devotion and enthusiasm. Maha Shivratri, a significant festival in Hinduism, celebrates the divine presence of Lord Shiva, the supreme deity of destruction and regeneration. Maha Shivratri, also known as the “Great Night of Shiva,” is a revered Hindu festival celebrated with great devotion and enthusiasm.
Here are the key details about Maha Shivratri 2024:
Date and Celebration: Maha Shivratri will be celebrated on March 8, 2024.
It falls on the fourteenth (Chaturdashi) day of the dark half of the lunar month of Phalguna or Magha according to the Hindu calendar. Devotees observe day and night fasts, perform ritual worship of Lord Shiva, and seek divine blessings to overcome darkness and ignorance in their lives.
Auspicious Time: The Chaturdashi Tithi will begin at 09:57 pm on March 8 and end at 6.17 pm on March 9. Nishita Kaal Puja Time will start at 12:07 am and conclude at 12:56 am on March 9.
Observances: Temples dedicated to Lord Shiva witness an influx of devotees who offer prayers, perform rituals, and participate in night-long vigils known as ‘Jagaran’.
Devotees offer “bilva” leaves, milk, honey, and water to the Shiva Lingam, symbolizing purity and devotion.
History and Significance: Maha Shivratri finds its roots in ancient Hindu scriptures, particularly the Puranas, which narrate the legend of Samudra Manthan or the churning of the ocean. According to mythology, Lord Shiva drank the poison emerged from the ocean during Samudra Manthan, saving the world by holding it in his throat, turning it blue. This selfless act symbolizes the triumph of virtue over vice. The festival transcends religious boundaries, symbolizing universal principles of harmony, balance, and transcendence.
For yogis and seekers, Maha Shivratri holds deep spiritual significance as it aligns the energy centers within the body with cosmic energy, facilitating spiritual awakening and enlightenment. Maha Shivratri holds profound symbolism, representing the triumph of righteousness over evil and the power of divine grace to overcome obstacles and challenges in life. Lord Shiva, the principal deity worshipped on this occasion, is revered as the destroyer of ignorance and the embodiment of compassion and wisdom.
The festival underscores the importance of spiritual practices such as devotion, self-discipline, and detachment in attaining liberation (moksha) from the cycle of birth and death.
Maha Shivratri serves as a reminder of life’s impermanence and the cyclical nature of existence, encouraging devotees to embrace change, release attachments, and seek inner transformation through spiritual devotion and self-realization.
