In the Indian religion, Maha Shivaratri is the most important and splendid festival. It commemorates the powerful Lord Shiva, considered the Adi Guru or the First Guru and the source of Yogic tradition. Also, Maha Shivaratri is a celebration dedicated to the union of Lord Shiva, the Hindu god, and Parvati, the goddess who serves Shiva. In other words, it represents a divine union of knowledge and energy.

 Lord Shiva is offered flowers, betel tree leaves, and fruits by them. The Hindus also burn sacred light lamps and incense, bathe in the Ganges to cleanse the mind, body, and soul, practice yoga, and continuously chant "Om Namah Shivaya." To commemorate the moment when Mahadev saved the world from ignorance, symbolized by darkness, Mahadev is worshipped and prayed to throughout the night.

The significance of Mahashivratri

This auspicious occasion is when the divine powers of Shiva and Shakti come together to overcome darkness and obstacles in life and the world. It is marked by fasting and meditation. Moreover, it is said that the UniverseUniverse is very susceptible to evoking spiritual energies on this day. Unlike other Hindu festivals observed during the day, Mahashivratri is one unique festival that occurs at night. The festival is marked by fasting, meditation, introspection, social harmony, and vigil at Shiva temples.

It is said that Mahashivratri is associated with several legends. Several Puranas, such as the Linga Purana, emphasize the importance of observing Mahashivratri Vrat and respecting Lord Shiva and his symbolic icons. One legend holds that Shiva performed the 'Tandava' dance on this night. It represents creation and destruction powerfully and divinely. Shiva hymns and scriptures are chanted symbolically by devotees who are a part of the cosmic dance performed by the almighty and celebrate his presence everywhere throughout the UniverseUniverse. This festival is also immensely significant for married couples and unmarried women who wish to find a suitable husband since it is believed that Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati married on this date.

Celebrating Mahashivratri 2023

All the ardent devotees of Lord Shiva celebrate this Hindu Festival with immense enthusiasm and a holy spirit. Devotees observe a day-long fast on Mahashivratri when they worship and remember Lord Shiva. Devotes begin celebrating it in the early morning hours and continue until late at night. Shipping Shiva and his icons are believed to absolve a past sin and allow them to find salvation. This day is a day of prayer for many people who flock to the temples.

Rituals associated with Mahashivratri

As part of Mahashivratri Puja, devotees take baths before sunrise, wear new clothes, and visit Shiva temples early in the morning. Water, milk, Bel leaves, Bers, and jujube fruits are used to perform the traditional Mahashivratri Puja by women on this day. In addition to pouring milk and offering leaves, fruits, flowers, and incense sticks, they take three or seven rounds around the Shiva Lingam.

The six elements of Mahashivratri Puja have unique meanings and should be used while performing the ceremony.

• Shiva Lingams are bathed with water, milk, and Bel leaves to purify the soul
• Virtue is symbolized by vermillion after a bath.
• Offering fruits during worship symbolizes fulfilling desires and ensuring longevity.
• The burning of incense sticks symbolizes wealth.
• Betel leaves represent worldly desires.
• Knowledge and wisdom are exemplified by lamp lightning.

To commemorate the festival, devotees organize Jaagrans, which are devoted to the vigil of Shiva temple all night long. For this reason, temples are filled with chants of 'Om Namah Shivay', and devotional songs are sung for Lord Shiva on the night of Mahashivratri.

The best way to fast during Shivratri

As part of the Mahashivratri Vrat Vidhi, devotees are instructed to fast on this day only once a day. The day before observing the Shivratri Vrat, devotees should eat only once daily. It is recommended that devotees observe a strict fast for the entire day of Mahashivratri and only consume fruit the following day. Lord Shiva is asked to bless them so they can complete the Mahashivratri Vrat without any obstacles or interference.

The fast should be broken the day after Mahashivratri Puja to receive maximum benefit from observing a vrat. The fast can be broken anytime between sunrise and the time before Chaturdashi tithi ends.

This is an annual religious and pious festival celebrated all over the country. Mahashivratri is a joyous festival on which religious sanctity fills the air, honouring Lord Shiva and is eagerly anticipated by everyone.

The Puja Samagri, the Puja Muhurat, and the Puja Vidhi for the Puja

By the way, Shivratri is celebrated every month on the Chaturdashi date. However, Mahashivaratri, which occurs from February to March, is particularly significant for devotees who worship Lord Shiva. Shivratri in the Phalgun month is traditionally called Mahashivaratri according to Hindu beliefs. It is considered auspicious to pray to Lord Shiva and Mother Parvati on this day. Let's learn about what Mahashivratri is in the year 2023 and what its significance is. People worship Lord Shiva with complete devotion on this day to get the blessings of Lord Shiva.

Message for Mahashivratri 2023

Phalgun month is considered to be the biggest Shivratri in the year. Begin the day with a bath in Brahma Muhurta. Install a Kalash filled with water where you wish to worship. In addition to the Kalash, place Lord Shiva's and Mother Parvati's idols.

Then worship and finally perform aarti of Lord Shiva and Mother Parvati, offering akshat, betel leaf, supari, roli, molly, sandalwood, cloves, cardamom, milk, curd, honey, ghee, datura, belpatra, kamalgatta, and fruits.

During Mahashivaratri, Belpatra, Bhang, Dhatura, sandalwood, Roli, camphor, saffron, curd, ghee, molly, Akshat (rice), honey, sugar, raw milk of cow, sandalwood, Roli, camphor, saffron, molly, honey, sugar, season fruits like pav, Ganges water, Janeu, clothes, perfume, Kaner flower, garlands of flowers, Khus, Shami's letter, clove, betel nuts, betel leaves, gems, jewellery, Parimal liquid, cardamom, Dhoop, pure water, Kalash, etc. are used for worshipping Lord Shiva with these materials. According to Shiva, worshipping him with these materials makes him happy.