Mahashivratri 2024: Is Mahashivratri On March 8 or 9? Know Exact Date And Time

Is Mahashivratri On March 8 or 9?: Maha Shivratri, also known as Shivaratri, is a significant and most auspicious Hindu festival celebrated with great fervor and devotion across the country. This festival, dedicated to Lord Shiva, the destroyer and one of the principal deities of Hinduism, holds immense religious and spiritual importance.

The term "Maha Shivratri" translates to "The Great Night of Shiva" in Sanskrit. It is a combination of "Maha," meaning great, "Shiva," referring to Lord Shiva, and "ratri," which means night, signifying the night of Lord Shiva.

According to Hindu mythology, it is believed that on this auspicious night, Lord Shiva performed the "Tandava" dance, which symbolises creation, preservation, and destruction. As a result, Maha Shivratri is considered an extremely significant and auspicious event for devotees of Lord Shiva.

The festival is celebrated with great fervor in various parts of India, especially in states like Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, and Maharashtra. Devotees offer prayers, chant mantras, and participate in cultural programs to honor Lord Shiva.

Maha Shivratri image | Photo: Freepik

As the auspicious day of Mahashivratri approaches, many are still uncertain about the exact date for the festival. However, fear not! This article will provide you with the precise date and time of Mahashivratri 2024, along with insights into the festival's significance and more.

When Is Maha Shivrarti in 2024?

Maha Shivratri falls on the Chaturdashi Tithi of Krishna Paksha in the month of Phalgun. In 2024, the Maha Shivratri will be celebrated on March 8. The Chaturdashi Tithi begins on March 8 at 09:57 PM and ends on March 9 at 06:17 PM.

Maha Shivratri 2024 Date and puja muhurat:

Maha Shivaratri is a significant festival that symbolizes the union of Shiva and Shakti. It falls on the Chaturdashi Tithi during the Krishna Paksha in the month of Magha in the South Indian calendar. However, in the North Indian calendar, it is celebrated as Masik Shivaratri during the month of Phalguna.

Despite the different naming conventions for lunar months in the two calendars, both North Indians and South Indians celebrate Maha Shivaratri on the same day. In 2024 the auspicious day of Maha Shivratri will be celebrated on Friday, March 8.

Story of Maha Shivratri

Maha Shivaratri is a significant Hindu festival celebrated in honor of Lord Shiva. One of the most famous legends associated with it is about Goddess Parvati's devotion to Lord Shiva, which led to their marriage on the fourteenth day of the dark fortnight in the month of Falgun. This story highlights the importance of Maha Shivaratri.

Another legend, from the Garuda Purana, tells of a hunter who accidentally performed a Shiva Puja on the day of Shivaratri. When he died, celestial beings from Lord Shiva's entourage protected him from Lord Yama's messengers.

Significance of Maha Shivratri

The festival of Mahashivratri is celebrated with immense happiness and enthusiasm. It is a day dedicated to Lord Shiva and his consort, Goddess Parvati. According to Hindu mythology, Maha Shivratri is the day when Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati got married. Devotees celebrate this day by staying awake all night, performing various rituals, and chanting mantras to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva.

Maha Shivratri Rituals

On the auspicious day of Maha Shivratri, devotees wake up early in the morning, take a holy bath, and cleanse themselves. They clean their houses, especially the puja rooms, and light a diya to worship Lord Shiva with reverence. Devotees visit temples and perform Jalabhishekam, which involves pouring water over the Shiv Lingam, and offer Panchamrit, a mixture of milk, curd, honey, sugar powder, and ghee, to the deity. They then perform Abhishekam, a ritualistic bathing of the deity with water or other sacred substances.

How To Celebrate Maha Shivaratri?

Observing Fasting

Fasting: Devotees observe fasting on Mahashivaratri as a gesture to please Lord Shiva.

Auspicious for Women: This festival is particularly auspicious for women, with married women praying for the well-being of their husbands and unmarried women seeking a life partner with qualities akin to Lord Shiva.

Rituals and Puja Ceremonies

Temple Rituals: Various rituals are performed in temples across the country during Mahashivratri celebrations.

Prayers and Puja: Devotees engage in prayers and puja ceremonies dedicated to Lord Shiva, offering items such as milk, honey, flowers, and the sacred Bilva Patra leaves.

Fasting and Night of Awakening

Fasting: Devotees abstain from food and drink throughout the day.

Night of Awakening: Some choose to stay awake the entire night, participating in prayers and meditations.

Continuous Chanting: Devotees utilize this night by worshipping Adidev Mahadev through continuous chanting and listening to Mantras like Mahamrityunjay Mantra and Shiva Tandav Stotram.

Temple Visits and Festivities

Prominent Temples: Mahashivratri attracts a large gathering of devotees at prominent Shiva temples nationwide.

Festivities: The festivities are characterized by devotional songs, mantra chanting, and the resonating sound of temple bells.

Spiritual Awakening and Cultural Celebrations

Spiritual Awakening: Mahashivratri is also viewed as a time for spiritual awakening, with many individuals seeking inner peace and enlightenment.

Cultural Events: Beyond its religious aspects, Mahashivratri is celebrated with enthusiasm through cultural events and festivities, featuring dance performances, musical presentations, and various cultural programs.

Mahashivratri 2024: Mantra

Om Namah Shivaye..!!

Om Trayambhakam Yajamahe Sugandhim Pushti Vardhanam Urva Rukmiv Bandhanan Mrityor Mukshiya Mamritaat..!!

Maha Shivratri is a day of spiritual awakening and liberation for devotees. It is a time for them to connect with Lord Shiva and seek his blessings for a prosperous and fulfilling life.