Mahashivratri 2025: One of the most important Hindu festivals dedicated to Lord Shiva, Maha Shivaratri, will be celebrated on February 26, 2024. According to the Shiva Purana, on this auspicious day, Lord Shiva revealed as a Shivalinga to resolve the dispute between Brahma and Vishnu. This divine event took place on the Chaturdashi Titi of Krishna Paksha in the month of Phalguna, which is why Maha Shivaratri is seen on this day every year. Devotees fast, pray special, and visit the Shiva temples to seek blessings.
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Importance of worship on Maha Shivaratri:
It is believed that on Maha Shivaratri, Lord Shiva lives in all the Shivling on earth, worships on this day. Devotees who pray and rituals with devotion get manifold benefits and divine blessings. Many people organize Rudrabhishak in their homes to implement the grace of Lord Shiva.
Auspicious time of Maha Shivaratri 2024:
According to the Hindu calendar, Chaturdashi Tithi will begin on February 26 at 11:08 am and end on February 27 at 8:54 am. The most sacred time for Shiva Puja is encouraged to worship devotees during Nishita period.
Four Prahar Puja Timing:
The Maha Shivaratri has special significance to perform rituals in four different attacks (time slots) of the night. Each attack is associated with unique benefits, such as removing wealth, prosperity, fame, and obstacles. Recommended times are:
- First Prahar Puja: 6:19 PM – 9:26 pm
- Second Prahar Puja: 9:26 pm – 12:34 am
- Third Prahar Puja: 12:34 am – 3:41 am (27 February)
- Fourth Prahar Puja: 3:41 am – 6:48 am (27 February)
Rare astrological alignment on this day:
This year, Maha Shivaratri coincides with the presence of the Moon in Dhanishta Nakshatra, Parigha Yoga, Shakuni Karan and Capricorn (Capricorn). These planetary alignment make the day even more powerful for spiritual and physical benefits.
Holy Prasad for Lord Shiva:
Abhishek (ritual bathing of Shivling) with specific ingredients has a unique advantage:
- Honey: Career and life removes obstacles.
- Curd: Brings financial stability.
- sugarcane juice: Goddess Lakshmi attracts the blessings.
- The chanting of “Om Parvatpataye Naamah” 108 times prevents untimely troubles while offering water.
Pooja ritual for Maha Shivaratri:
- Take a bath with the Shivling with Panchamat (milk, curd, ghee, honey, and sugar).
- Offer eight utensils of saffron water and light a lamp overnight.
- Apply sandalwood paste and offer vine leaves, cannabis, dhatura, sugarcane juice, basil and fruit.
- Ended worship as offerings with saffron kheer.
Mythological story behind Maha Shivaratri:
According to Hindu mythology, a dispute arose between Brahma and Vishnu which was superior. To solve this, Lord Shiva appeared as an infinite pillar (Shivling) of light and challenged them to find their beginning and end. Vishnu acknowledged the inability to do so, but Brahma incorrectly claimed that a Ketaki was found to be the top with the help of a flower, which also supported his lies.
Angered this Lord Shiva, who cursed Brahma that he would not be worshiped on earth, and Ketaki flowers would never be used in his worship. Since this program was held on Phalguna Krishna Chaturdashi, it became a chosen day for the Maha Shivaratri ceremony.
[Disclaimer: The content of this article is based solely on beliefs, and should be taken as general guidance. Individual experiences may vary. ABPLive.com does not assert the accuracy or validity of any claims or information presented. It is strongly recommended to consult a qualified expert before considering or implementing any information or belief discussed herein.]
