Maha Shivratri is an important Hindu event held yearly in honour of Lord Shiva. Maha Shivratri means “Great Night of Shiva” in Sanskrit. According to Drik Panchang, it falls on Chaturdashi Tithi during Krishna Paksha in the month of Magha. Shivratri is celebrated every month of the Hindu lunisolar calendar. However, Maha Shivratri only occurs once a year, in February or March, towards the close of winter and the start of spring and summer. It is regarded as auspicious because it is said to be the night of Shiva and Shakti’s union – the embodiments of love, power, and oneness.
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Maha Shivratri is a major celebration celebrating the union of Shiva and Shakti. On the festival of Maha Shivratri, Lord Shiva and Mata Parvati are said to have been wedded, according to Hindu mythology. While Lord Shiva represents Purusha or consciousness, Maa Parvati represents Prakriti or nature. The confluence of mind and energy fosters creation. This celebration also serves as a reminder to overcome adversity and ignorance in life.
Many traditions surround this auspicious day, and one of them claims that Lord Shiva performs his cosmic dance of creation, preservation, and destruction on this night. Among his admirers, this beautiful dance is known as tandava. Another mythology holds that praying to Lord Shiva on this night will help one conquer and let go of their misdeeds, allowing them to begin on the road of righteousness. Fasting on this day is also said to bring good luck.
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Maha Shivratri 2022 Puja Date And Shubh Muhurat:
The auspicious festival of Maha Shivaratri falls on Tuesday, March 1, 2022, this year. The auspicious hours of the celebration according to Drik Panchang are listed below.
Nishita Kaal Puja Time: 12:8 am to 12:58 am, March 2
Shivaratri Parana Time: 6:45 am, March 2
Ratri First Prahar Puja Time: 6:21 pm to 9:27 pm
Ratri Second Prahar Puja Time: 9:27 pm to 12:33 am, March 2
Ratri Third Prahar Puja Time: 12:33 am to 3:39 am, March 2
Ratri Fourth Prahar Puja Time: 3:39 am to 6:45 am, March 2
Chaturdashi Tithi Begins: 3:16 am, March 1
Chaturdashi Tithi Ends: 1:00 am, March 2
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How is Maha Shivratri celebrated?
Maha Shivratri is celebrated in Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, and Bihar. On this day, Lord Shiva’s followers fast for the entire day and do special pujas at temples. People also pray for moksha and donate milk to the Shivaling.
According to Drik Panchang, on Shivratri day, after performing morning rites, devotees should take Sankalp to fast for a whole day and eat the next day. They should also seek Lord Shiva’s blessings in order to complete the fast without interruption. Devotees should also take a second bath in the evening before doing Shiva Puja or visiting the temple.