Mahashivratri 2024 | Date | Significance & Legend | Celebrations

What is Mahashivratri in Hindusm?

By Intimate Viewpoint

Mahashivratri is the most notable Festival in Hinduism. It is celebrated annually, between February and March, and in the month of Magha or Falguna in the lunar calendar.

Suggest to read:

What is Vaidik Ghadi (Vedic clock) In Ujjain In Madhya Pradesh 

A Few Interesting Fact About The Ayodhya Ram Temple

Mahashivratri is observed as the wedding anniversary of Lord Shiv and Goddess Parvati. That's why deity Shiv and Parvati are worshipped in this festival, but in most places, Lord Shiv is only being worshiped.

Date and time

This year, Mahashivratri will be celebrated on the 8th of March (Friday).

Significance & Legend 

The festival of Mahashivratri is considered very fruitful. It is said, that offering Bel Patra (Wood Apple leaves) and water on Shivlinga on Shivratri is very fruitful for everyone. It is also said that on this auspicious day of Shivratri, whoever offers Belpatra and water to Shivlinga, all the sins of his life are eradicated.

There are many legends that tell the significance of Shivratri, of two legends are very famous. according to one Legend, Shivrati is celebrated because, on this Pacific day, Lord Shiva performed the heavenly dance of creation, Preservation, and destruction. That is why, he is worshipped alone in many places, whereas another famous Legend tells that Shivratri is the night when Lord Shiva got married to Goddess Parvati. This story is accepted everywhere.

Celebrations

In most cases, people go to a Shiv temple on Shivratri to worship Lord Shiv whereas many people perform worship at home. The whole day is spent keeping fast by some people whereas many people eat fruits only on this day. The night is observed as Jagrata (waking up at night). Shiv Bhajan and Shiv Aarti are sung, and Shiv Puran and Shiv scriptures are also chanted many where. There is a big crowd in Shiv temples can be seen after the sunrise in Shivratri to the dawn of the next day. In this way, the whole day of Shivratri is celebrated.