Maha Shivratri 2024: From significance to rituals, here's all you need to know
Maha Shivratri 2024: Maha Shivratri is one of the most significant Hindu festivals, honouring Lord Shiva. As per the Hindu calendar, Maha Shivratri falls on the 14th day of the dark fortnight in the Hindu lunar month of Phalguna or Magha. The festival typically falls in February or March and this year will be celebrated on March 8.
The festival is celebrated across the country, with some regions mixing their own unique traditions into age-old traditional practices. Devotees seeking spiritual upliftment and divine blessings follow fasting rules and rituals that are central to this auspicious occasion.
Lord Shiva, known as Mrityunjaya (the conqueror of death), represents eternal prana, the force of eternal existence. He also practices intense yoga, demonstrating the path of knowledge to his devotees.
Fasting is a type of yoga, and it is practised during Maha Shivratri to purify the mind, body, and soul while showing reverence and dedication to Lord Shiva.
Devotees follow strict fasting rules, abstaining from all foods and drinks. Some people choose to fast partially by eating fruits, milk, and nuts, while others fast completely for the entire day and night.
The day of Maha Shivratri begins with devotees waking up early and taking a bath, which represents the purification of the body and soul. They then visit Shiva temples to pray and perform various rituals. Throughout the day, devotees chant sacred mantras such as the Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra, which is believed to invoke Lord Shiva's blessings and protection.
One of the most important rituals observed during Maha Shivratri is the Abhishekam, or ceremonial bathing of the Shiva Lingam in sacred substances such as milk, honey, ghee, yoghurt, and water. This ritual symbolises the deity's purification and sanctification. Devotees also offer Bilva leaves, which are very important in Shiva worship, as well as other offerings such as fruits and flowers.
As night falls, devotees perform jagran, which includes continuous prayer, meditation, and devotional singing in praise of Lord Shiva. The fast is traditionally broken the next day, after sunrise, with a simple meal of fruits, milk, and other vegetarian delicacies. Devotees pray and seek Lord Shiva's blessings before eating the first meal, which is considered sacred and blessed.
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