Mahashivratri 2023: One of the most significant and revered festivals in Hinduism is Maha Shivratri and it will be observed and celebrated with great fervor among the Hindu communities in India and all over the world. Maha Shivratri will be celebrated in a few days, and all Lord Shiva worshippers are anxiously awaiting this day and for observing the fast. The Maha Shivratri of 2023 is going to be special, as Masik Shivratri and Pradosh Vrat will also be coming on the same day. So, in this blog we will discuss Maha Shivratri in greater detail. The readers will get apt information through this blog on how to worship Lord Shiva according to their zodiac signs, the significance of Maha Shivratri in Shiv Purana, and special benefits of wearing Rudraksha in Maha Shivratri. Besides this, we will also inform you about the date, time, and Muhurta of the fast as well!
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Maha Shivratri: Muhurta
The fast of Maha Shivratri will be observed on Saturday, 18th February, 2023. On this same date, Masik Shivratri and Pradosh Vrat are also coming. The Parana time of Maha Shivratri will be on 19th February, 2023 from 6:57 am to 3:25 pm. So, let us now know what Shiva Purana says about Maha Shivratri!
Maha Shivratri’s Significance In Shiva Purana
According to Kotirudra Samhita in Shiva Mahapurana, the fast of Maha Shivratri holds great importance. By observing this fast, devotees receive both Bhog and Moksha. When Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu, and Goddess Parvati asked Lord Shiva about the importance of this fast, he revealed that ‘whoever observes this fast will attain virtues’. This fast should be observed with 4 principles and they are the following:
- Doing worship of Lord Shiva on the day of Maha Shivratri.
- Chanting of Rudra Mantra according to the rules.
- On this day, worship in a Shiva temple, and observe the fast.
- Leaving your physical body at Kashi (Banaras).
Out of these four resolutions, the most prominent one is observing the fast on Maha Shivratri. According to Shiva Mahapurana, this fast is known to be beneficial for women, men, children, and even for Gods and Goddesses.
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Exalted Benefits Of Observing Fast & Performing Prayer At Night
The ancient sages of the Sanatan religion have regarded the practice of observing fasts as the most advantageous and fruitful. It is said in one of the Slokas of Sri Bhagavad Gita: “viṣayā vinivartante nirāhārasya dehaḥ” which means that fasting is the most prominent way for spiritual practice and is a surest means of retirement of senses. To understand the significance of worshiping at night we take a look at another Sloka of Sri Bhagavad Gita: “yā niśā sarvabhūtānāṃ tasyāṃ jāgarti saṃyamī” which says that only someone whose senses and mind are under control through worship makes an effort to complete their work by giving up sleep at night.
Maha Shivratri: Worship Methods
According to Shiv Purana, on the day of Maha Shivratri, the devotee should first take a bath in the morning. After this, one should apply a Tilak of Bhasma on their forehead, as Bhasma is beloved by Lord Shiva. Then wear a Rudraksha rosary and go to the temple. In the temple the devotee must do Rudrabhishek of the Shivling; however, there are different ways to do the Abhishek ritual, so let’s take a look at them as well!
According to AstroSage Astrologer Meetu Garg, worshiping Lord Shiva is quite simple. Lord Shiva is not just Bholenath by name, but if someone worships him with a pure heart and dedication, his wishes are granted quickly. Lord Shiva can be worshiped in the following ways:
Remedies:
- If your wishes are not being granted, offer water to Lord Shiva every morning. Your wishes will be granted if you mix a little Ganges water with water and offer it to the Shivling.
- Offering Belpatra to Lord Shiva with water relieves mental stress and opens the door to advancement in your career and business.
- If you are stuck in court, offer a Shami leaf while offering water to Lord Shiva. This enhances the likelihood of success in court. Along with this, the debt problem is gradually being resolved.
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Multiple Methods Of Performing Rudrabhishek
- Be sure to take care of the direction while you are doing Rudrabhishek of Shivling. Your face must be in the East Direction.
- Take the holy Ganga water and offer it to Shivling, and while doing this ritual, Mantras of Lord Shiva must be chanted.
- During this ritual, you can chant the Mahamrityunjaya Mantra, Ravana composed Shiv Tandav Stotra, and Rudra Mantra.
- After offering holy Ganga water to the Shivling, one can also offer sugarcane juice, honey, milk, and curd.
- After these wet things, one can apply Sandalwood paste on the Shivling.
- The devotees can also offer things like Belpatra, Bhang, Dhatura etc. on the Shivling.
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While Worshiping Shivling, Take These Extra Precautions
According to Shiva Purana, offering these six things to Lord Shiva are considered prohibited. Take a close look if you’re one of those individuals who is unaware of these things.
- Leaves of Tulsi: Lord Shiva had killed a demon named Jalandhara who was the husband of Goddess Tulsi. Since then, the late demon had deprived Lord Shiva of his leaves, which had supernatural powers. That’s why one must never offer Tulsi leaves (Holy basil) to Shivling.
- Turmeric: Shivling represents a male element and turmeric is considered to have feminine qualities. So, one must never offer turmeric to Shivling.
- Ketki Flowers: An incident is mentioned in a mythological story, that Ketaki flower once assisted Lord Brahma in a lie. This angered Lord Shiva and he cursed the flowers.
- Coconut Water: There is a big reason behind this, as coconut is always used in worship and when the things are offered to deities during worship, it is necessary to accept them after offering them. But whatever is offered on the Shivling is not accepted after the offer. So, coconut is offered on the Shivling but with that one cannot perform the ritual of Rudrabhishek.
- Do not pour water from Conch: According to a lore, Lord Shiva had killed Shankhachuda. The conch is said to have originated from the ashes of this demon, as he was killed. This is the reason why water is never offered to the Shivling from a conch.
- Kumkuma and Sindoor: These two things are considered as signs of marriage. Married women apply these things so that their husbands can live longer, and among the three Lords, Lord Shiva is considered as the destroyer. So, according to this, these two things must never be offered to the Shivling.
Relation Between Lord Shiva And Rudraksha
The Shiv Maha Purana mentions 14 different types of Rudrakshas, their advantages, and how to wear them. If we talk about Vedic astrology, then Rudraksha must be worn according to the auspicious time, date, and zodiac sign. Wearing a Rudraksha on the day of Maha Shivratri is considered to be highly prosperous and its effects are significantly pious as well. The worshipers get endowed with Lord Shiva’s blessings if they wear Rudraksha on the holy day of Maha Shivratri and the fear of death ends as well.
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Wear Rudraksha According To Your Zodiac Sign
Aries:
The zodiac sign of Aries is ruled by the planet Mars. These natives should wear 11-faced or 3-faced Rudraksha.
Taurus:
The zodiac sign of Taurus is ruled by the love planet Venus, so such natives should wear 13-faced, or 6-faced Rudraksha.
Gemini:
The zodiac signs of twins are ruled by the intellect planet Mercury and such natives should wear 4-faced, 10-faced, or 15-faced Rudraksha.
Cancer:
The Moon rules the zodiac sign of Cancer, and these natives should wear 2-faced Rudraksha.
Leo:
The father planet Sun, is the one who rules over the zodiac sign of Leo, so such natives are advised to wear 1-faced or 12-faced Rudraksha.
Virgo:
The planet of Speech, Mercury is the ruling lord of the zodiac sign of Virgo and these natives should wear 4-faced, 10-faced, or 15-faced Rudraksha.
Libra:
The zodiac sign of Libra is ruled by the planet Venus, hence those born under this sign should wear 6- faced or 13-faced Rudraksha.
Scorpio:
The natives of Scorpio are ruled by the planet Mars, and these natives should wear 3-faced or 11-faced Rudraksha.
Sagittarius:
The planet of Luck Jupiter rules the zodiac sign of Sagittarius, and these natives should wear 5-faced or 11-faced Rudraksha.
Capricorn:
The planet of discipline, Saturn rules Capricorn, and these natives should wear 7-faced or 14-faced Rudraksha.
Aquarius:
Aquarius is ruled by Saturn, the planet of discipline, and those born under this sign should wear a 7-faced or 14-faced Rudraksha.
Pisces:
The sensitive natives of Pisces are ruled by the planet of growth, Jupiter, and they should wear 5-faced or 11-faced Rudraksha.
Use These Mantras To Praise Lord Shiva
- Shiv Tandav Stotra by Shri Lankeshwaran: Lord Shiva is most pleased by Shiv Tandav Stotra. Devotees receive multiple benefits when they recite this daily. It dispels negativity and one never suffers from financial instability. With the recitation of Shiv Tandav Stotra, one receives financial growth, and gets rid of Kaal Sarp Dosh, Pitra Dosh, Sarp Dosh, and unfavorable effects of Saturn.
- Shiv Panchakshar Stotra: In this Mantra, Namah: Shivay has been completely described, its composer was Adi Guru Shankaracharya. By reciting the Shiv Panchakshar Stotra salvation is also attained and worshipers get rid of all the sins.
- Om Namah Shivay: One of the most prominent Mantras used for adoration of Lord Shiva is this one. By its recitation one gets courage, and emotions like hatred, anger, and attachments get dispelled.
- Mahamrityunjaya Mantra: According to Shiv Purana, one gets rid of various defects in life by reciting this Mantra. Along with this the fear of premature death vanishes from oneself as well.
- Shri Rudrashtakam Stotra: This Stotra of Lord Shiva is mentioned in Shri Ramcharitmanas. Lord Rama recited this hymn while he was installing the Shivling at Rameshwaram. After that, he defeated Sri Lankeshwar (Ravana). According to beliefs, wishes are fulfilled by reciting this Mantra, and one gets to win over his enemies as well.
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We wish you prosperity in all your spheres with this Maha Shivratri; our sincere thanks for visiting AstroSage!