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Mahashivratri 2024 Date Time Muhurat and Significance: Mahashivratri, also known as the Great Night of Lord Shiva, is one of the most important Hindu festivals celebrated across India and other parts of the world. This auspicious occasion falls on the 14th day of the dark fortnight in the month of Phalguna according to the Hindu lunar calendar. Devotees observe this festival by fasting, performing rituals, and offering prayers to Lord Shiva. Let us delve into the significance and customs associated with Mahashivratri.
Mahashivratri 2024 Date in India: 08th March, Friday
Mahashivratri 2024 Overview
| Festival Name | Mahashivratri |
| Observed by | Hindus |
| Type | Religious |
| Significance | Commemoration of the wedding of Shiva and Parvati, Veneration of the Tandava dance of Shiva, and Manifestation of the lingam |
| Observances | Fasting, Self-study, Jagarana, Lingam puja, Yoga |
| Date | Magha Krishna Chaturdashi |
| Holiday Type | Restricted Holiday |
Significance of Mahashivratri
Mahashivratri holds immense significance in Hindu mythology and is believed to be the night when Lord Shiva performed the divine dance of creation, preservation, and destruction. It is said that on this night, the planetary positions align in a way that enhances spiritual energy, making it an ideal time for devotees to seek blessings and spiritual growth.
The festival is not only celebrated to honor Lord Shiva but also to celebrate the union of Shiva and Parvati, his consort. It symbolizes the cosmic union of masculine and feminine energies, representing the balance and harmony in the universe.
Maha Shivratri 2024 India Calendar
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thur | Fri | Sat | Sun |
| 1 | 2 | 3 | ||||
| 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 |
| 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 |
| 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 |
| 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31 |
When is Maha Shivratri 2023?
| Maha Shivratri 2023 Date | Saturday, 18 February |
| Maha Shivratri 2024 Date | Friday, 8 March |
| Maha Shivratri 2025 Date | Wednesday, 26 February |
| Maha Shivratri 2026 Date | Sunday, 15 February |
| Maha Shivratri 2027 Date | Saturday, 6 March |
| Maha Shivratri 2028 Date | Wednesday, 23 February |
Rituals of Mahashivratri
1. Fasting: Devotees observe a strict fast on Mahashivratri, abstaining from food and water for the entire day. Some people opt for a partial fast, consuming only fruits or milk. Fasting is believed to purify the body and mind, allowing devotees to connect with Lord Shiva on a deeper level.
2. Abhishekam: The ritualistic bathing of the Shiva Linga with various sacred substances, such as milk, honey, yogurt, ghee, and water, is an integral part of Mahashivratri celebrations. Devotees pour these offerings over the Linga while chanting prayers, symbolizing the purification and rejuvenation of their own souls.
3. Chanting and Meditation: Devotees spend the night of Mahashivratri in prayer, meditation, and chanting of sacred mantras dedicated to Lord Shiva. The most popular mantra, “Om Namah Shivaya,” is chanted with utmost devotion to seeking blessings and spiritual enlightenment.
4. Visiting Temples: Thousands of devotees throng to Shiva temples on Mahashivratri to offer their prayers and seek blessings. The temples are adorned with flowers and lights, creating a divine ambiance. Devotees often perform circumambulation (pradakshina) around the Shiva Linga, symbolizing their devotion and surrender to the divine.
Mahashivratri 2024 Time in India
The auspicious occasion of Mahashivratri in 2024 will be celebrated with great devotion in India. This year, Mahashivratri falls on Friday, March 8th. The Nishita Kaal Puja, which is considered highly significant, will take place from 12:07 AM to 12:56 AM on March 9th, lasting for approximately 49 minutes.
On the following day, March 9th, the Shivaratri Parana time will begin at 06:37 AM and conclude at 03:29 PM. Devotees can participate in the Ratri First Prahar Puja from 06:25 PM to 09:28 PM, followed by the Ratri Second Prahar Puja from 09:28 PM until 12:31 AM on March 9th. The Ratri Third Prahar Puja will take place from 12:31 AM to 03:34 AM, and the Ratri Fourth Prahar Puja will occur from 03:34 AM to 06:37 AM on March 9th.
The Chaturdashi Tithi, which marks the fourteenth day of the lunar month, commences at 09:57 PM on March 8th and concludes at 06:17 PM on March 9th in the year 2024.
Legends Associated with Mahashivratri
1. The Marriage of Shiva and Parvati: According to Hindu mythology, Mahashivratri marks the day when Lord Shiva married Parvati. It is believed that Parvati performed intense penance to win Shiva’s heart, and on this auspicious day, Lord Shiva accepted her as his consort.
2. The Churning of the Ocean: Another legend associated with Mahashivratri is the churning of the cosmic ocean (Samudra Manthan) by the gods and demons to obtain the elixir of immortality (amrita). During this churning, a pot of poison emerged, threatening to destroy the universe. To save the world, Lord Shiva consumed the poison, turning his throat blue. Hence, he is also known as Neelkantha (the one with a blue throat).
3. The Dance of Shiva: It is believed that on Mahashivratri, Lord Shiva performed the Tandava, a powerful dance that represents the cycle of creation, preservation, and destruction. This cosmic dance symbolizes the eternal rhythm of life and the universe.
Mahashivratri Celebrations Across India
Mahashivratri is celebrated with great enthusiasm and fervor throughout India. In Varanasi, the city of Lord Shiva, devotees take part in grand processions carrying the deity on a palanquin. In Jammu and Kashmir, the famous Amarnath Yatra begins on Mahashivratri, attracting thousands of devotees who trek to the Amarnath cave to seek Lord Shiva’s blessings.
In Tamil Nadu, the festival is celebrated as “Arudra Darshanam,” where devotees visit Shiva temples to witness the special abhishekam performed on this day. In Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, people celebrate Mahashivratri by performing “Koti Lingarchana,” a ritual where devotees collectively chant the name of Lord Shiva one crore times.
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When is Mahashivratri in 2024?
Mahashivratri in 2024 will be celebrated on March 8th, which falls on a Friday.
What is the significance of Nishita Kaal Puja?
Nishita Kaal Puja is considered highly significant during Mahashivratri and will take place from 12:07 AM to 12:56 AM on March 9th, lasting for approximately 49 minutes.
What time does the Shivaratri Parana begin and end on March 9th?
The Shivaratri Parana time begins at 06:37 AM and concludes at 03:29 PM on March 9th.
What are the timings for the different Ratri Prahar Puja during Mahashivratri?
The Ratri First Prahar Puja is from 06:25 PM to 09:28 PM, the Ratri Second Prahar Puja is from 09:28 PM until 12:31 AM on March 9th, the Ratri Third Prahar Puja is from 12:31 AM to 03:34 AM, and the Ratri Fourth Prahar Puja is from 03:34 AM to 06:37 AM on March 9th.
When does the Chaturdashi Tithi start and end during Mahashivratri 2024?
The Chaturdashi Tithi starts at 09:57 PM on March 8th and ends at 06:17 PM on March 9th in the year 2024.
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