Mahashivratri 2024: Date and Time
Chaturdashi Tithi Begins – March 8, 2024 – 09:57 PM
Chaturdashi Tithi Ends – March 9, 2024 – 06:17 PM
Mahashivratri 2024: How Mahashivratri is celebrated?
1. On Mahashivratri, many devotees practice a severe fast, taking just fruits and milk or going without food and water for the whole day. Fasting is believed to bring the blessings of Lord Shiva and purify the body and mind.
2. In order to pray and carry out unique rituals for the Shiva Linga, devotees go to Shiva temples. They recite chants honouring Lord Shiva as they present water, milk, honey, bilva leaves, and other holy objects.
3. People give bath to Shiva Lingam with holy liquids including milk, yoghurt, honey, ghee, and water as part of the Abhishekam ceremony. Devotees think that executing the Abhishekam on Mahashivratri results in blessings from Lord Shiva and spiritual cleanliness.
4. Many followers of Shiva remain up all night praying, chanting Shiva’s names and hymns, and singing bhajans, or devotional songs. It is thought that an all-night vigil will placate Lord Shiva and call for his celestial presence.
5. A Homa, a sacred fire ceremony, is performed by some followers to ask Lord Shiva’s blessings. Chanting Vedic mantras dedicated to Lord Shiva is done while offering items like grains, herbs, and ghee are placed in the fire.
6. Mahashivratri is regarded as a lucky day for yoga and meditation. In order to achieve inner tranquilly and spiritual awakening, devotees focus on the formless aspect of Lord Shiva during meditation.
7. On Mahashivratri, devotees flock to well-known Shiva temples like Mahakaleshar (Ujjain), Kedarnath (Uttarakhand), Somnath (Gujarat), and Kashi Vishwanath (Varanasi) in order to beg Lord Shiva’s blessings.
8. Mahashivratri is celebrated with cultural events, devotional music, and dance performances honouring Lord Shiva in many locations. These celebrations encourage devotion to Lord Shiva while honouring the festival’s traditional significance.
9. Mahashivratri is a sacred time for compassion and spiritual upliftment as well. Devotees exhibit the attitude of selflessness and compassion by participating in charity endeavours including feeding the hungry, giving to charities, and lending a hand to those in need.