The auspicious day of Mahashivratri will be March 8, 2024, this year. Let’s explore the significance of the occasion, its origins, the fasting customs, and the distinctions between Mahashivratri and Shivratri.
An important Hindu holiday dedicated to honouring Lord Shiva is Mahashivratri. Millions nationwide celebrate this holiday once a year by fasting and staying up all night. This blog is about Mahashivratri 2024 – Celebration & Fasting at Home & Significance.
Mahashivratri occurs in February or March each year when people commonly believe Lord Shiva performs his Tandava dance.
This celebration aims to drive off darkness and ignorance from the globe. Spiritually-minded people look forward to Mahashivratri because they think it will be the day they reach the spiritual zenith to become closer to God.
Mahashivratri 2024 Date
Each year, on Chaturdashi, the fourteenth day of the lunar calendar, the Mahashivratri fast is celebrated. This marks the conclusion of Krishna Paksha, which falls within the Hindu months of Phalguna (in the North Indian calendar) or Maagha (in the South Indian calendar). By the Gregorian calendar, this is the middle of February to the middle of March. Friday, March 8, 2024, is the date of Mahashivratri 2024.
Mahashivratri 2024 Muhurat
| Chaturdashi Tithi Begins | 09:57 PM on March 8 |
| Chaturdashi Tithi Ends | 06:17 PM on March 9 |
| Nishita Kaal Pooja Time | 12:07 AM to 12:56 AM, March 9 |
| Ratri First Prahar Pooja Time | 06:25 PM to 09:28 PM, March 8 |
| Ratri Second Prahar Pooja Time | 09:28 PM, March 8 to 12:31 AM, March 9 |
| Ratri Third Prahar Pooja Time | 12:31 AM to 03:34 AM, March 9 |
| Ratri Fourth Prahar ooja Time | 03:34 AM to 06:37 AM, March 9 |
| Shivaratri Parana Time | 06:37 AM to 03:29 PM, March 9 |
Difference between Shivratri and Mahashivratri festival
Mahashivratri and Shivratri frequently need clarification. The most exceptional Shivratri can be dubbed Mahashivratri. Mahashivratri is a once-a-year event, whereas Shivratris takes place every month.
Every lunar month, on the fourteenth day, people celebrate Shivratri. To it is the day preceding the new moon. This is Shivratri, which happens twelve times a year and is considered special for honoring Lord Shiva.
Mahashivratri is the one that falls between February and March out of the twelve Shivratris. “Maha” refers to the most important. This is regarded as the largest or most significant Shivratri celebration in the Hindu calendar.
History Behind Mahashivratri
Like other religious celebrations, various legends surrounding Mahashivratri are referenced in multiple Puranas or ancient texts. Here are a few of these intriguing tales.
- Some literature states that Lord Shiva performs his celestial dance, known as Tandava, or Tandava Natyam, on the day of Mahashivratri. It is believed that Lord Shiva’s dance will restore life and death to the world and thus balance out the existential cycle.
- According to some literary works, Mahashivratri is auspicious since it marks the day that Lord Shiva and goddess Parvati wed.
- According to many Puranic traditions, Mahashivratri is a day on which people should repent, wash away their sins, tidy up, and become closer to God.
- Some Puranic stories state that on this day, Lord Shiva ingested the poison derived from the ocean of milk and defended the devas. Lord Shiva was dubbed Neelkanth as a result.
- Mahashivratri is sometimes called the “night of stillness.” They hold that one day, known as Mahashivratri, Lord Shiva became motionless after countless millions of years of meditation.
Importance of Mahashivratri for Spiritual followers
In Hindu culture, some people follow many spiritual paths. Mahashivratri is a significant occasion for each of them.
Spiritual sages say that on the day of Mahashivratri, the planet’s northern hemisphere is in a special location. All living things then have access to a plentiful energy supply.
These gurus think that people can have special spiritual experiences on this day. That’s why many religious groups hold meditation and chanting sessions that go all night to aid people in realizing their innate spirituality.
Mahashivratri Fast – Significance
Fasting is depriving oneself of food and liquids for a predetermined time. Fasting has traditionally been encouraged by the Hindu religion, and because it offers so many health benefits, many specialists are now urging individuals to fast.
Mahashivratri vrat is another name for the Mahashivratri fast. This is a custom of fasting from the morning of the festival till the following day for 24 hours.
The Puranas state that after Lord Shiva consumed the poison churned from the ocean of milk, goddess Parvati held his neck to keep it from entering his body. One day and night, she clutched his neck without taking any food or liquids.
In observance of Mahashivratri, followers fast in the same manner as Lord Shiva and goddess Parvati.
Fasting for a full day has been shown by science to aid in the body’s detoxification and balance restoration. Fasting alone for the entire day without eating or drinking anything can be challenging. For this reason, it’s common for people to observe the Mahashivratri fast in groups to support one another, recite passages from scripture, and avoid being hungry or tired during the night.
When to Start and Stop Mahashivratri Fast?
The Mahashivratri fast often begins early on the day of the celebration and lasts all day and all night. Twenty-four hours later, in the morning, devotees break their fast. The fast in 2024 is scheduled to start early on March 8 and end early on March 9.
What can you eat during the Mahashivratri Fast?
While it is encouraged to fast completely on Mahashivratri, that may not be possible for everyone. So, you can eat or drink the following items during the fast.
- Fresh fruits
- Fresh vegetables
- Fruit and vegetable juices
- Milk
- Black or herbal tea
- Coffee
- Yoghurt or buttermilk
- Salted (use rock salt or sendha namak) and steamed tapioca
- Cooked sabudana, also known as sago and tapioca pearl
- Dishes made using white pumpkin
Things to Take Care Of When Observing Mahashivratri fast
If this is your first time observing the Mahashivratri fast, you must look after your health during the day.
Due to a lack of meals, you can become tired, dehydrated, and experience fainting spells. The electrolyte balance and preventing fatigue can be restored by consuming water combined with sugar and salt.
Some people drink coconut water all day to avoid being tired from fasting.
If you feel lightheaded during fasting, it’s okay to sip on some milk or fruit juice. Before trying a 24-hour fast, people with pre-existing medical concerns should consult their doctor and seek their consent.
If you eat during the fast, ensure it is a minimally cooked, healthy meal. For meals, try yogurt, oil-free sabudana khichdi, or steamed veggies. Steer clear of anything overly oily or spicy.
How to Celebrate Mahashivratri at Home?
Here are steps on how to celebrate Mahashivratri at home.
- Wake up early and take a bath.
- Visit a Shiva temple nearby.
- Try Mahashivratri fast, if possible.
- Find friends or family celebrating Mahashivratri and try observing the day with them.
- Meditation plays a big part in Mahashivratri celebrations.
- Attend the Mahashivratri puja that happens close to your house.
- Stay awake the whole night if you can. You can spend the night chanting mantras, listening to spiritual stories, and visiting temples (many temples remain open the whole night).
- Those who worship Lord Shiva at home adorn their puja halls with fresh flowers. Vilva leaves, also known as bael leaves, are exceedingly promising and should be offered to Lord Shiva if you locate them where you are staying. During Mahashivratri, pooja can be performed with these leaves.
- Those who do not fast on this day typically prepare meals at home, including dessert, and present them to Lord Shiva before feeding their family.
Which Countries Celebrate Mahashivratri?
One of the key nations that observes Mahashivratri annually is India. On Mahashivratri, all Hindu temples—especially those that honor Lord Shiva—are decked up and decorated, and special pujas are held day and night.
In Nepal, Mahashivratri is also a national holiday. This is celebrated as a national holiday. Thousands of people swarm the Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu to see the goddess adorned in all her splendor for the occasion.
Mahashivratri is celebrated magnificently yearly at the Shree Ratneshwar Mahadev Temple in Karachi. On this day, Hindus in Pakistan swarm to the temple to get Lord Shiva’s blessings.
Aside from this, special pujas are held in honor of Mahashivratri at all Hindu temples worldwide, including those in Singapore, the US, Malaysia, and Mauritius.
Conclusion to Mahashivratri
Mahashivratri is a religious and spiritual occasion. March 8, 2024, is the date for everyone who wants to commemorate it and learn more about its history and culture. In addition to calling upon Lord Shiva’s blessings, the Mahashivratri fast and mantra chanting will help you feel refreshed and regain equilibrium in your body and mind.
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