Maha Shivaratri 2024: Maha Shivaratri is a Hindu festival that celebrates the union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Shakti. Which is also known as ‘The Great Night of Lord Shiva’. The Festival is held in February or March each year. In 2024, Mahashivaratri will be celebrated on the 8th of March as per Hindu Calendars.
Maha Shivaratri SignificanceÂ
There are several legends associated with Maha Shivaratri and its significance is further explained in various Puranas including the Linga Purana. These documents emphasize the importance of Maha Shivaratri Vrat (fasting) and paying respect to Lord Shiva and his symbolic representation, the lingam. According to legend, on this night Lord Shiva performed the ‘Tandava’ dance, a popular, powerful, and sacred expression of creation and destruction.
Maha Shivaratri 2024 Start Date and Time
It will commence on March 8 at 9:57 pm and conclude on March 9 at 06:17 pm. The auspicious time for Nishita Kaal Puja of Mahashivratri on March 8 is from 12:07 am to 12:56 am, though devotees can worship Lord Shiva throughout the day.
Isha Foundation Timings for Maha Shivaratri 2024
In Isha Foundation, it is celebrated on 8th March 2024, from 6 PM to 6 AM followed by Sadguru Speech and other religious events based on the Story of Lord Shiva in his childhood days. The celebration is awe-struck with hundreds of people gathered along with eminent artists performing and delivering speeches on the significance of Maha Shivaratri
Fasting Rules for Maha Shivaratri 2024
The Mahashivaratri puja is performed on Nishita Kaal (Called the midnight muhurta which lasts 48 minutes) or once every four prayers of the night (each prahar lasts approximately 3 hours), and the fast lasts for a full 12 hours. Hindus usually take a bath before and after fasting. It is regarded as sharing purity and divinity with God to receive blessings
Maha Shivaratri 2024 Puja and Fast BenefitsÂ
- Pouring water and milk on the Shiva Lingam and offering Betel leaves means purification of the soul.
- Applying vermilion after taking a bath symbolizes virtue.
- Fruit offerings during worship symbolize the fulfilment of desires and long life.
- Burning incense is a symbol of wealth.
- The betel leaves represent the satisfaction that comes from earthly desires.
- The lighting of the lamp symbolizes the attainment of wisdom and knowledge.
Maha Shivaratri Pooja Set Up
Setting up the Puja: Set up the Puja by placing the statue or idol of Lord Shiva on a pedestal or platform along with the Shiv Linga or Shiva Yantra. Decorate the area with flowers, leaves, and fruits. Offerings: Fruits, milk, honey, and other favourite foods of Lord Shiva are offered. And it is distributed to the people and family as Prashad. During fasting also women make sweets as offerings to the Lord
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