Mahashivratri 2024: Shivaratri is observed every month in the luni-solar calendar as per Hinduism. However, the grand celebration of this festival takes place once a year in late winter, marking the arrival of summer. This festival is marked with elaborate rituals, with each community and region having its own unique stories associated with it. Maha Shivratri, meaning ‘the great night of Shiva,’ is believed to be the night when Shiva performs his celestial dance, known as ‘tandav.
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Mahashivratri 2024: Date And Timings:
This year, Shivratri will be celebrated on March 8.
The timings, according to Drik panchang, are as follows:
- Chaturdashi Tithi Begins: 09:57 pm on March 08, 2024
- Chaturdashi Tithi Ends: 06:17 pm on Mar 09, 2024
- Nishita Kaal Puja Time: 12:07 am to 12:56 am, March 09
- On March 09, Shivaratri Parana Time: 06:37 am to 03:29 am
Mahashivratri 2024: History
According to Hindu mythology, Mahasivaratri holds significance for various reasons. One belief is that Shiva and Parvati got married on this day, and the festival is observed annually to celebrate their divine union. Essentially, Shivratri symbolises the convergence of Shiva and Shakti, representing the balance between masculine and feminine energies in the world.
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Another legend associates Mahashivratri with the day Shiva consumed the poison that emerged during the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan), safeguarding the world from darkness. The poison turned his throat blue, leading to his name ‘Neelkanth’ (blue throat).
Another legend talks about Shiva and his dance ‘tandav’. It is said that Shiva performs his cosmic dance of ‘creation, preservation, and destruction’ on this night.
Mahashivratri 2024: Significance
Maha Shivratri is of great significance for women, both unmarried and married. Unmarried women observe this fast and worship Lord Shiva to seek His divine blessings for finding a suitable life partner. On the other hand, married women observe this fast with the intention of maintaining peace and tranquility in their married and family life.
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It is believed that observing Maha Shivaratri fast can make the fulfillment of impossible and challenging tasks possible, all through the grace of Lord Shiva.
