March 02, 2024: Every year, according to the Hindu calendar, the festival of Maha Shivratri is celebrated on the Chaturdashi Tithi of the Krishna Paksha in the month of Falgun. It is believed that on this day, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati were married, hence this festival is celebrated with great fervor by Shiva devotees every year. On the day of Maha Shivratri, devotees observe fasts with faith and devotion, and worship Lord Shiva and Goddess Gauri with rituals and ceremonies. It is said that on the day of Maha Shivratri, Lord Bholenath resides in all the Shiva Lingas present on earth, so worshiping Shiva on this day yields manifold benefits. Let’s delve into the details of Maha Shivratri in the year 2024, including the auspicious date, timings, and rituals to be followed.
Maha Shivratri 2024 Date
As per the Panchang, the Chaturdashi Tithi of the Krishna Paksha in the month of Falgun will commence on March 8th, 2024, at 09:57 PM and conclude on March 9th, 2024, at 06:17 PM. The worship of Lord Shiva is performed during the Pradosh Kaal, hence there is no need to check the Udya Tithi. Therefore, Maha Shivratri fast will be observed on March 8th, 2024.
Maha Shivratri 2024 Puja Timings
On March 8th, 2024, the auspicious time for worshipping Lord Shiva is from 06:25 PM to 09:28 PM. Additionally, the four Prahar Muhurat for Maha Shivratri 2024 are as follows:
- First Prahar Pooja Timing: From 06:25 PM to 09:28 PM
- Second Prahar Pooja Timing: From 09:28 PM to 12:31 AM on March 9th, 2024
- Third Prahar Pooja Timing: From 12:31 AM to 03:34 AM on March 9th, 2024
- Fourth Prahar Pooja Timing: From 03:34 AM to 06:37 AM on March 9th, 2024
Maha Shivratri Puja Rituals
- Begin the day of Maha Shivratri with a solemn vow and ritualistic fasting in the early morning.
- During the Sankalp, seek blessings from Lord Shiva for successfully completing the duration of the fast.
- Decide whether to observe the fast with partial or complete abstinence from food and water.
- Commence the puja at the auspicious muhurat.
- Start by bathing Lord Shiva’s idol with Panchamrit.
- Offer eight lotus flowers with saffron water and light lamps throughout the night.
- Apply a tilak of sandalwood paste.
- Bel leaves, cannabis, and dhatura are among Lord Shiva’s favorite offerings. Hence, offer three bel leaves, cannabis, dhatura, nutmeg, lotus seeds, fruits, sweets, sweet paan, perfume, and dakshina.
- Finally, distribute prasad after offering saffron-infused kheer to Lord Shiva.
Conclusion: Maha Shivratri, a festival that reverberates with devotion and spirituality, holds immense significance for devotees. Observing the rituals and puja with utmost dedication and reverence is believed to invoke divine blessings and fulfill desires. Let the auspicious occasion of Maha Shivratri 2024 fill your life with divine grace and blessings from Lord Shiva.