Mahashivratri 2024: In this special AstroSage blog, we will explore Mahashivratri and delve into the appropriate ways to perform worship of Lord Shiva based on zodiac signs. Additionally, we’ll discuss the fasting narrative and associated rituals of Mahashivratri. So, without further ado, let’s dive into a detailed exploration of the Mahashivratri festival.
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According to the Hindu Panchang, Masik Shivaratri fasting is observed on the Chaturdashi date of every month’s Krishna Paksha. However, the Chaturdashi date of the Falgun month holds significant importance for Mahashivratri, as it is believed to mark the auspicious night of Lord Shiva’s marriage to Goddess Parvati, the mother of the universe. On this sacred day, devotees perform worship and reverence to the supreme deity, Lord Mahadev, and the primordial power, Goddess Parvati, while also observing fasting.
The merits of this fast are said to bring happiness and prosperity to married couples, and unmarried individuals may find opportunities for swift marriages. Furthermore, households are often filled with joy and prosperity. This year, during Mahashivratri, three highly auspicious yogas are forming, promising to bring happiness into the lives of devotees. Let’s proceed and discover the date of Mahashivratri in 2024, along with the prescribed remedies for this auspicious day and much more.
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Mahashivratri 2024: Date And Time
According to the Hindu Panchang, the Chaturdashi Tithi of Krishna Paksha in the month of Falgun will begin on the night of March 8, 2024, Friday, at 10:00 PM. It will conclude on the evening of the following day, i.e., March 9, 2024, Saturday, at 06:19 PM. Worship of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati is performed during the Pradosh Kaal. Therefore, Mahashivratri 2024 will be observed on March 8 this year.
Three highly auspicious yogas, namely Shiva Yoga, Siddhi Yoga, and Sarvartha Siddhi Yoga, are forming during Mahashivratri 2024. Shiva Yoga is considered extremely auspicious for spiritual practices, and all mantras recited during this yoga are believed to yield favorable results. Siddhi Yoga ensures fruitful outcomes for any action performed during this time. Additionally, Sarvartha Siddhi Yoga promises success in every endeavor undertaken, making it a highly auspicious yoga.
Nishitha Kaal Puja Timings: From midnight of March 9, starting from 12:07 AM to 12:55 AM.
Duration: 0 hours 48 minutes.
Puja Timings
For Mahashivratri 2024, the auspicious time to perform the Puja is from 06:25 PM to 09:28 PM. Worshiping Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati during this period is considered auspicious.
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An Auspicious Yoga Forming After 300 Years On Mahashivratri 2024
Mahashivratri 2024 holds exceptional significance due to a rare conjunction occurring after 300 years. This auspicious event includes the presence of both Shiva Yoga and Sarvarthsiddhi Yoga, making it even more special. Furthermore, planetary movements on this day are highly favorable.
During Mahashivratri 2024, Mars and the Moon will align in Capricorn, while Venus, Saturn, and the Sun will form a conjunction in Aquarius. These celestial positions are particularly beneficial for Aries and Gemini. With Lord Shiva’s grace, tasks previously stalled for these signs will be completed, leading to success in various aspects of life including career and business, ushering auspiciousness in every endeavor.
Why is Mahashivratri celebrated?
There are several mythological stories behind the celebration of Mahashivratri. Let us find out about a few of them!
First tale
According to this mythological tale, Mata Parvati desired Lord Shiva as her husband. Following Narada’s advice, Lord Shiva engaged in intense meditation and special worship on Falgun Krishna Chaturdashi. Consequently, on Mahashivratri, Lord Shiva was pleased and granted Mata Parvati the boon of marriage. This is why Mahashivratri holds immense significance and holiness. Thus, every year, on Falgun’s Chaturdashi Tithi, Mahashivratri is celebrated joyfully for the marriage of Lord Shiva and Mata Parvati. On this day, devotees in various places organize processions of Lord Shiva.
Second tale
According to the Garuda Purana, another significant story is narrated. It is recounted that on Falgun Krishna Chaturdashi, a Nishada king went hunting with his dog but found no prey. Exhausted and hungry, he rested by a pond where a Bilva tree stood with a Shiva Lingam underneath. He plucked some Bilva leaves to rest, which inadvertently fell on the Shiva Lingam. He then used water from the pond to clean his hands, and some drops fell on the Shiva Lingam as well.
While doing so, an arrow from his bow slipped. To retrieve it, he bowed before the Shiva Lingam, thus unknowingly completing the entire process of Shiva worship on Shivratri. After his death, when Yama’s messengers came for him, Lord Shiva’s attendants protected him and drove them away. Realizing the immense benefits of worshiping Lord Shiva on Mahashivratri, the tradition of worshiping Shiva on this day became prevalent.
Third Story
On Mahashivratri, which falls on Falgun Krishna Chaturdashi, Lord Shiva manifested in the divine form of a lingam, and Brahma worshipped Lord Shiva in this lingam form. Since then, the significance of observing fasting on Mahashivratri has grown, and devotees continue to observe the fast while offering water to the Shiva Lingam.
Fourth Story
According to mythological tales, Lord Shiva performed the inaugural Pradosh Tandava dance on Mahashivratri. This serves as another reason why Mahashivratri’s date is considered significant, with fasting observed following specific rituals.
Fifth Story
Various beliefs surround the celebration of Mahashivratri, but scriptures like Shiv Purana underscore the importance of observing Mahashivratri. It is narrated that on Mahashivratri, falling on Falgun Krishna Chaturdashi, Lord Shiva safeguarded creation by swallowing poison, protecting the entire universe from the dreadful venom.
After consuming the poison, Lord Shiva’s throat turned blue. While holding the poison, Lord Shiva performed a magnificent dance, highly revered by the gods. To mitigate the poison’s effects, the gods offered him water, thus attributing special significance to water in Shiva worship. It is believed that the deities initiated the worship of Lord Shiva on this day.
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Items to Include in the Puja of Mahashivratri 2024
It’s believed that pleasing Lord Shiva is quite simple. A mere drop of water offered with devotion on the Shiva Lingam brings him joy. However, on Mahashivratri, achieving desired results entails performing Lord Shiva’s puja with specific items. Let’s delve into these essentials.
- Including rice grains (akshat) is imperative in Lord Shiva’s puja. This not only pleases him but also fortifies the position of the Moon in one’s horoscope.
- Adding honey to the worship of Lord Shiva alleviates health-related issues.
- In reverence to Bholenath, pure desi ghee should be used. It’s believed to pave the way for a healthy life and liberation from all troubles.
- Integrating sugarcane juice into Lord Shiva’s worship is said to alleviate poverty and foster happiness and prosperity.
- Lord Shiva holds a particular fondness for bhang, datura, and Shami leaves. Hence, including them in the Mahashivratri puja can garner special blessings from him.
- Additionally, offerings such as Bhasma (sacred ash), saffron, rudraksha, sacred thread, sandalwood paste, colored powders, etc., should also be presented to Lord Shiva.
Dos and Don’ts During Mahashivratri 2024 Puja
During the Mahashivratri 2024 puja, it’s crucial to pay attention to certain special aspects because inadvertent mistakes during the fast might prevent the desired results. Let’s delve into these guidelines.
What to Do
- Offer water to the Shiva Lingam during the puja.
- Subsequently, offer bhang, datura, gangajal, bilva leaves, milk, honey, and yogurt to the Shiva Lingam.
- Offer water or milk to the Shiva Lingam sequentially, not simultaneously.
- While offering water, meditate on Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
- Recite the mantras of Lord Shiva during his abhishek.
What Not to Do
- Avoid consuming tamasic foods on the day of the puja.
- Refrain from alcohol consumption on Mahashivratri.
- Foster a peaceful atmosphere at home on this day. Steer clear of any arguments or criticism.
- Do not place lotus, jasmine, or Ketaki flowers on the Shiva Lingam while pouring water. Additionally, abstain from applying sindoor (vermilion) or any other cosmetics to the Shiva Lingam.
- If fasting, avoid daytime sleep and focus on Lord Shiva.
- Avoid offering black sesame seeds or broken rice grains on the Shiva Lingam.
- Furthermore, refrain from inadvertently pouring water from a conch shell onto the Shiva Lingam, as it is believed to carry significant implications.
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Chant These Mantras While Worshiping Lord Shiva
During the puja of Lord Shiva on Mahashivratri, it’s advisable to recite these mantras, as it’s believed that chanting them pleases Lord Shiva quickly.
- Om Hreem Hraum Namah: Shivaya॥ Om Parvatipataye Namah:॥ Om Pashupataye Namah:॥ Om Namah Shivaya Shubham Shubham Kuru Kuru Shivaya Namah Om॥
- Mandakinyastu Yadvari Sarvapapaharam Shubham। Tadidam Kalpitam Deva Snanartham Pratigrihyatam॥ Shri Bhagavate Samba Shivaya Namah। Snaniyam Jalam Samarpyami।
- Om Tatpurushaya Vidmahe Mahadevaya Dhimahi Tanno Rudrah Prachodayat॥
- Om Haum Jum Sah: Om Bhur Bhuvah Svah: Om Tryambakam Yajamahe Sugandhim Pushtivardhanam। Urvarukamiva Bandhanan Mrityor Mukshiya Maamritat Om Bhur Bhuvah Svah: Om Sah Jum Haum Om।।
- Om Sadho Jataye Namah:।। Om Vamadevaya Namah:।। Om Aghoraya Namah:।। Om Tatpurushaya Namah:।। Om Ishanaya Namah:।। Om Hreem Hraum Namah: Shivaya।।
- Om Namah Shivaya। Namo Nilakanthaya। Om Parvatipataye Namah। Om Hreem Hraum Namah: Shivaya। Om Namo Bhagavate Dakshinamurtaye Mahyam Medha Prayaccha Svaha।
- Karacharankritam Vak Kāyajam Karmajam Shravan Nayana Jambam Vā Manasam Vāparādham। Vihitam Vihitam Vā Sarv Metat Kshamasva Jaya Jaya Karuṇābdhe Shri Mahadeva Shambho॥
- Om Tatpurushaya Vidmahe, Mahadevaya Dhimahi, Tanno Rudra Prachodayat।।
Mahashivratri 2024: Perform Lord Shiva’s Abhishek Based on Your Zodiac Sign
Aries
Those born under the Aries sign should conduct Lord Shiva’s abhishek on Mahashivratri, blending jaggery, Ganga Jal, bilva leaves, and perfume into water.
Taurus
Taurus natives should perform Lord Shiva’s abhishek on Mahashivratri using cow’s milk, yogurt, and pure desi ghee.
Gemini
On this auspicious day, Gemini natives should perform Lord Shiva’s abhishek with sugarcane juice, believed to aid in curing all ailments.
Cancer
To receive special blessings from Lord Shiva, Cancer natives should conduct his abhishek on the Monday of the Shravan month, using pure desi ghee.
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Leo
Individuals born under the Leo sign should perform Lord Shiva’s abhishek on Mahashivratri by combining red flowers, jaggery, black sesame seeds, and honey in water.
Virgo
Virgo natives should perform Lord Shiva’s abhishek on Mahashivratri by adding honey to sugarcane juice.
Libra
To receive Lord Shiva’s blessings, individuals born under the Libra sign should mix honey, perfume, and jasmine oil in water for his abhishek.
Scorpio
For Lord Shiva’s abhishek on this day, Scorpio natives should use items like milk, yogurt, ghee, honey, and others.
Sagittarius
To please Lord Shiva on Mahashivratri, Sagittarius natives should mix turmeric in water or milk for jalabhishek.
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Capricorn
Capricorn natives should perform Lord Shiva’s abhishek using coconut water, as he is their revered deity.
Aquarius
As Lord Shiva is also worshipped by Aquarius natives, they should perform his abhishek by mixing black sesame seeds, honey, and perfume in Ganga Jal.
Pisces
For the divine abhishek on Mahashivratri, Pisces natives should add saffron to water or milk while performing Lord Shiva’s abhishek.
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