Maha Shivratri 2024: Mahashivratri is a religious festival of Hindus, which is celebrated as the birth anniversary of the main deity of Hindu religion, Mahadev i.e. Shiva. The festival of Mahashivratri is celebrated on the Chaturdashi of Krishna Paksha in the month of Phalgun.
On this day, devotees of Shiva and people who have faith in Shiva observe fast and especially worship Lord Shiva. Some beliefs related to Lord Shiva are prevalent regarding Mahashivratri. It is believed that on this special day Lord Shankar was incarnated in the Rudra form of Brahma at midnight.
It is believed that on this day, Lord Shiva opened his third eye after performing Tandav and ended the universe with the flame of this eye. Apart from this, at many places this day is also associated with the marriage of Lord Shiva and it is believed that the marriage of Lord Shiva and Mother Parvati took place on this auspicious day.
Although there is one Shivratri in every month, but this Shivratri falling on Krishna Chaturdashi of Phalgun month has utmost importance, hence it is called Mahashivratri. In fact, Mahashivratri is the festival of worship of Lord Bholenath, when religious people worship Mahadev with rituals and receive blessings from him. On this day, a large number of devotees gather in Shiva temples, who consider themselves fortunate after seeing and worshiping Shiva.
On the day of Mahashivratri, Lord Shiva is worshiped and anointed with various sacred objects and Bilvapatra, Dhatura, Abeer, Gulal, Ber, Umbi etc. are offered. Lord Shiva is very fond of cannabis. Many people also offer him Bhang. After fasting throughout the day and worshiping, fruits are eaten in the evening.
Shivratri is considered the biggest day to worship Lord Shiva. It is said that if you make Bhole happy on this day, all your work is successful and happiness and prosperity comes. Devotees of Bhole worship Lord Shiva in many ways on the day of Shivratri. To please Shiva, there is a rush of devotees in the Shiva temples, who offer Bel leaves and water and sing the praises of Shiva.
On March 8, the festival of Mahashivratri will be celebrated in the auspicious conjunction of planets and Sarvarthasiddhi Yoga of Shivayoga. This time Mahashivratri will be even more special. According to calendar calculations and theological belief, this type of yogic conjunction and planetary position occurs only once or twice in 300 years on Mahashivratri. In this rare yoga, worship of Lord Shiva is considered to give quick results.
On Mahashivratri, on Friday, after Shravan Nakshatra, Dhanishtha Nakshatra, Shivayoga, Gar Karan and Moon of Capricorn/Aquarius will be witnessed. At the same time, there will be a conjunction of Sun, Saturn and Mercury in Aquarius. This type of yoga is formed once or twice in three centuries, when the constellation, yoga and position of the planets relate to the center triangle. Actually Mahashivratri is the festival of the night of union of Shiva and Shakti. According to religious beliefs, spiritual powers awaken on the night of Shivratri.
