Mahashivaratri 2023: Know Date, Time , Significance & more

Maha Shivratri is one of the most auspicious Hindu festivals. The festival is held every year to honor Lord Shiva. The Hindu festival of Maha Shivratri is a literal representation of Lord Shiva’s great night.

This auspicious occasion is celebrated on the 14th day of the dark fortnight of the Hindu month of Phalguna, which falls in late February or early March each year. On February 18th, the auspicious festival of Mahashivratri will be celebrated in grand style. Mahashivratri is a night of prayer, fasting, and meditation during which devotees seek Lord Shiva’s blessings for spiritual enlightenment, strength, and guidance.

Maha Shivratri 2023- History and Significance

The celebration of Maha Shivratri is significant among Hindus for a variety of reasons. There are numerous stories revolving around Ruler Shiva. While some believe that Ruler Shiva was incarnated as Master Rudra at 12 PM, others believe that it is the big day of Ruler Shiva and Goddess Parvati, implying the union of ‘Shiv and Shakti’. According to Hindu mythology, Master Shiva saved the world from darkness by drinking the toxin produced during the churning of the incredible ocean.
According to some, Lord Shiva performs his tandav dance. It is known as the cosmic dance of creation, preservation, and destruction. Others claim that praying to Lord Shiva at this time of year aids in the forgiveness of sins and open a new path to righteousness. People believe that fasting on this day brings luck.

Maha Shivratri 2023 puja timings

Here are the timings that devotees can follow for Mahashivratri 2023:

Nishita Kaal Puja Time – 12:09 AM to 01:00 AM, Feb 19

Duration – 00 Hours 51 Mins

(The Nishita Kaal Puja Time is the most significant time for performing puja or worship in Hinduism. It is believed to be a very auspicious time and is associated with a high level of spiritual energy.)

On 19th Feb, Shivaratri Parana Time – 06:56 AM to 03:24 PM

Ratri First Prahar Puja Time – 06:13 PM to 09:24 PM

Ratri Second Prahar Puja Time – 09:24 PM to 12:35 AM, Feb 19

Ratri Third Prahar Puja Time – 12:35 AM to 03:46 AM, Feb 19

Ratri Fourth Prahar Puja Time – 03:46 AM to 06:56 AM, Feb 19

Chaturdashi Tithi Begins – 08:02 PM on Feb 18, 2023

Chaturdashi Tithi Ends – 04:18 PM on Feb 19, 2023

Puja samagri:

The items on the list below must be prepared for the puja in order for it to be successful.

• Vermilion: Applying vermilion on Shivalingam after the bath is a sign of virtue.
• Milk, water and bel leaves: Bathing Shivalingam in water, milk, and bel leaves is the epitome of soul purification.
• Fruits: Various fruits are donated during worship symbolise the gratification of wishes and longevity
• Incense sticks: burning incense sticks signify prosperity
• betel leaves: It indicate the satisfaction of earthly desires
• Lamp: lamp lightning represents the acquisition of wisdom and knowledge.
• Vibhuti: Vibhuti which is also known as Bhasm is sacred ash which is made using dried cow dung.
• Other items for the puja inculde flowers, rose water, yogurt, ghee, honey, sugar, water and sandalwood.

Puja vidhi:

Devotees should only eat once the day before Shivratri Vratam, most likely on Trayodashi. According to Drik Panchang, on the day of Shivratri, after completing morning rites, worshippers should make a Sankalp to observe a complete day of fasting on Shivratri and to eat the next day. Devotees should also take a second bath on Shivratri day in the evening before doing Shiva Puja or going to the temple. Shiva Puja must be performed at night, and followers must break their fast the next day after taking a bath.

Source:HT