Mahashivratri 2024: The Hindu festival of Mahashivratri, dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, will be celebrated all across India on 8th March, Friday. The auspicious festival is very important and auspicious for Hindus as it's a time to honour Lord Shiva, who is considered the destroyer and the most loving God in the universe. Mahashivratri falls on the Chaturdashi Tithi of Krishna Paksha in the Hindu month of Phalgun.
According to Hindu beliefs, Mahashivratri marks the day when Lord Shiva got married to Goddess Parvati. It's celebrated as 'The Night of Lord Shiva' to commemorate their divine union. Lord Shiva symbolises mindfulness, while Maa Parvati symbolises nature. Their union is said to promote creation.
In 2024, Mahashivratri will be celebrated on Friday, 8th March.
The Chaturdashi Tithi begins at 09:57 PM on 8th March and ends at 06:17 PM on 9th March. The best time for worship (Nishita Kaal Puja) is from 2:07 AM to 12:56 AM on 9th March. The first Prahar of the Ratri puja will start from 06:25 PM to 09:28 PM on March 8, followed by the second Prahar from 09:28 PM to 12:31 AM (March 9). The third Prahar of the night puja will be held between 12:31 AM and 03:34 AM on March 9. The fourth Prahar will take place from 03:34 AM to 06:37 AM. The time to end the fast on March 9 will start at 06:37 AM and end at 03:29 PM.
| Mahashivratri 2024 Date | Friday, March 8 |
| Chaturdashi Tithi Begins | 09:57 PM on March 8th |
| Chaturdashi Tithi Ends | 06:17 PM on Mar 9th |
| Nishita Kaal Puja Time | 12:07 AM to 12:56 AM on March 9th |
| Shivaratri Parana Time | 06:37 AM to 03:29 PM On March 9th |
| Ratri First Prahar Puja Time | 06:25 PM to 09:28 PM |
| Ratri Second Prahar Puja Time | 09:28 PM to 12:31 AM, March 9th |
| Ratri Third Prahar Puja Time | 12:31 AM to 03:34 AM, March 9th |
| Ratri Fourth Prahar Puja Time | 03:34 AM to 06:37 AM, March 9th |
Observing a fast during Mahashivratri is considered highly auspicious. Devotees visit temples and offer 'Panchamrit' to Lord Shiva. Panchamrit is a mix of milk, yogurt, honey, sugar, and ghee.
Many devotees fast on Mahashivratri. Some fast without food and water, while others include foods like potatoes, fox nuts (Makhana), bananas, and pumpkins in their diet.?Foods like wheat, rice, salt, certain vegetables, pulses, non-vegetarian items, onions, and garlic should be avoided during the fast.
You can offer 'bel leaves (Belpatra), dhatura flowers, yogurt, ghee, and sandalwood' to Lord Shiva. Also, sweets made with milk products like barfi, peda, and payasam/kheer are suitable offerings. Avoid using a kumkum tilak during the puja and prefer sandalwood paste instead.
Lord Shiva, often represented by a Shivling, is worshipped on Mahashivratri, falling on Friday, March 8 this year. Devotees fast and offer prayers to fulfill their wishes. While Shiva appreciates offerings like Bael leaves, bhaang, dhatura, milk, sandal, and ash, certain items are not suitable for puja. Avoid offering Tulsi leaves due to a legend, refrain from kumkum as Shiva prefers ash, use only whole rice grains, and skip turmeric as it's associated with beauty, which Shiva renounces. White flowers are preferred over kewda and Champa, and coconut water offered shouldn't be consumed. Ensure Bael leaves are intact, and use copper pots for milk or water, avoiding bronze. Lastly, saffron isn't offered as ash signifies Shiva's adornment.
Q. What is Mahashivratri and why is it celebrated?
Answer: Mahashivratri is a Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Shiva. It marks the day of his marriage to Goddess Parvati and is celebrated to honor their divine union. Devotees believe that observing Mahashivratri brings blessings and fulfillment of wishes.
Q. When is Mahashivratri 2024 and what are the puja timings?
Answer: Mahashivratri 2024 falls on March 8th. The puja timings vary but generally include sessions throughout the night, starting from the evening of March 8th till the early morning of March 9th, allowing devotees to worship Lord Shiva during different auspicious phases.
Q. What are the fasting rules for Mahashivratri?
Answer: Devotees often observe strict fasting on Mahashivratri. Some fast without consuming any food or water, while others include specific foods like fruits, milk, and nuts. Avoidance of grains, certain vegetables, non-vegetarian food, and stimulants like caffeine is common during the fast.
Q. What are the traditional offerings to Lord Shiva on Mahashivratri?
Answer: Traditional offerings to Lord Shiva on Mahashivratri include Bilva leaves, milk, curd, honey, fruits, and other sacred items like sandalwood paste. These offerings symbolize devotion and are believed to please Lord Shiva.
Q. Are there any items to avoid while performing puja on Mahashivratri?
Answer: Yes, there are certain items to avoid while performing puja on Mahashivratri. These include Tulsi leaves, saffron (kumkum), broken rice, turmeric (haldi), kewda and Champa flowers, coconut water, cut or infected Bilva leaves, and bronze pots. These items are believed to be unsuitable for offerings to Lord Shiva based on traditional beliefs and legends.