INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
Maha Shivratri will be observed on Saturday, February 18, 2023
Shivratri, also known as Maha Shivratri, is a Hindu festival that is celebrated annually in honor of Lord Shiva, one of the main deities in
The festival is observed by fasting, praying, and offering devotion to Lord Shiva
Fasting on Shivratri is considered to be extremely auspicious and is believed to bring blessings and fulfillment of desires
Maha Shivratri 2023 Date and TimeMaha Shivaratri DateSaturday, February 18, 2023Nishita Kaal Puja Time12:09 AM to 01:00 AM, Feb 19Ratri
First Prahar Puja Time06:13 PM to 09:24 PMRatri Second Prahar Puja Time09:24 PM to 12:35 AM, Feb 19Ratri Third Prahar Puja Time12:35 AM to
03:46 AM, Feb 19Ratri Fourth Prahar Puja Time03:46 AM to 06:56 AM, Feb 19Chaturdashi Tithi Begins08:02 PM on Feb 18, 2023Chaturdashi Tithi
Ends04:18 PM on Feb 19, 2023Shivaratri Parana Time06:56 AM to 03:24 PM on Feb 19, 2023WEB STORY: Most Popular Lord Shiva Temples in
IndiaSignificance of Mahashivratri Fasting The significance of Maha Shivratri is rooted in Hindu mythology and is associated with several
According to one legend, it is said that Lord Shiva saved the world from darkness and ignorance by drinking the poisonous elixir that was
produced during the churning of the ocean by the gods and demons
The day is observed to celebrate this event and to honor Lord Shiva's victory over evil
Know more about Maha Shivratri Puja RitualsALSO READ: Maha Shivratri Fasting Rules - Do Not Make These MistakesAnother legend associated
with Maha Shivratri is the story of the union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati
It is said that on this day, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati were married and their union represents the union of the individual self
(jivatma) with the universal self (paramatma).WEB STORY: Why Do We Celebrate Maha Shivaratri?How to get blessings of Lord Shiva on
Mahashivratri?There are several ways to please Lord Shiva on Maha Shivratri, including:Fasting: Observing a fast on Maha Shivratri is
considered to be one of the most important ways to please Lord Shiva
The fast involves refraining from food and water for a specified period of time, and is believed to purify the body and mind.Offerings:
Offerings of milk, honey, fruit, and bel leaves are considered to be very auspicious on Maha Shivratri and are said to please Lord Shiva
The offerings symbolize purity and devotion.Mantra chanting: Chanting the "Om Namah Shivaya" mantra is considered to be very powerful on
Maha Shivratri and is believed to bring blessings and fulfillment of desires.Puja: Performing a puja (worship ceremony) to Lord Shiva on
Maha Shivratri is considered to be very auspicious
The puja involves lighting a lamp, offering flowers and incense, and reciting prayers and mantras.Bathing in the Ganges: Bathing in the
Ganges river, which is considered to be sacred in Hinduism, on Maha Shivratri is believed to bring blessings and purification.Visiting a
temple: Visiting a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva on Maha Shivratri and offering prayers and offerings is considered to be a very auspicious
act.Helping others: Performing acts of kindness and helping others is considered to be a way to please Lord Shiva on Maha
Shivratri.Listening to bhajans: Listening to bhajans (devotional songs) dedicated to Lord Shiva is considered to be a way to please the
deity on Maha Shivratri.Maha Shivratri Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)When is Maha Shivratri?Mahashivratri will be observed on Saturday,
It is observed on the 14th day of the Hindu calendar month of Phalguna, which usually falls in the months of February or March in the
Gregorian calendar.Why is Maha Shivratri celebrated?Maha Shivratri is celebrated to mark the day when Lord Shiva was married to the goddess
According to Hindu mythology, it is believed that Lord Shiva saved the world from destruction on this day and this festival is a way to pay
homage to him.What are the rituals performed during Maha Shivratri?Some of the common rituals performed during Maha Shivratri include
fasting, staying awake all night, offering prayers and offerings to Lord Shiva, and chanting mantras dedicated to him
People also visit Shiva temples to offer their prayers and perform special puja ceremonies.What is the significance of staying awake all
night during Maha Shivratri?Staying awake all night during Maha Shivratri is considered to be auspicious as it symbolizes one's devotion and
It is believed that by staying awake, one can earn the blessings of Lord Shiva and attain spiritual purity.Can non-Hindus participate in the
celebrations of Maha Shivratri?Absolutely! People from all backgrounds and cultures are welcome to participate in the celebrations of Maha
The festival is a celebration of spiritual unity and all are welcome to join in the prayers and offerings to Lord Shiva.
