Mahashivratri - Unveiling the Transformative Power of Lord Shiva’s Great Night

Every year, there are a total of 12 Shivratris in every month before the new moon day or on the 14th day of every lunar month. But the Shivratri coming in late winter and before summer's arrival is known as "Mahashivratri." According to the North Indian Hindu calendar, it lies in Phalguna month while the South Indian calendar marks its arrival in Magha month. As per the Gregorian Calendar, Mahashivratri falls in the month of February or March. This year, this sacred commemoration of Mahashivratri is on "8th March 2024."

As per “Drik Panchang”, the “tithi” for “Mahashivratri” in the year 2024 is as follows:

Maha Shivaratri on Friday, March 8, 2024

• Chaturdashi Tithi Begins - 09:57 PM on Mar 08, 2024
• Chaturdashi Tithi Ends - 06:17 PM on Mar 09, 2024

"Mahashivratri" comes from three words- 'Maha', 'Shiv' & 'Ratri' literally meaning: 'The Great Night of Lord Shiva.' This holy day is solely dedicated to the God of creation, protection, transformation, and destruction of the Universe- Shiva. It is an annual Hindu festival celebrated with lots of joy in India and many foreign countries as well like Nepal, Pakistan, South Asia, Maldives and many more. The devotees of Shiva are also known as 'Shaivas.' Hence, the Shaivism form of Hinduism finds much more immense importance of Mahashivratri. As per their scriptures, the night of Mahashivratri is believed to "overcome darkness and ignorance" in one's life and the whole world through Shiva. In Kashmir Shaivism, this holy day is known by the name "Har-ratri" or "Herath."

Unlike all other festivals, Mahashivratri is celebrated at night. On this day, devotees take a ritual bath on waking up early. After that, the whole day goes into fasting which is believed to detoxify the human body. Generally, it's advised to keep fast with easily digestible fruits or some other foods. Unmarried women keep this fast for a good husband & married ones perform it to thank the Lord for blessing them. “Parana” (breaking of fast) is done on the next day of Mahashivratri.

As per “Drik Panchang”, the “Parana” timings for “Mahashivratri” in the year 2024 are as follows:

• On 9th March 2024, Saturday, Shivaratri Parana Time - 06:37 AM to 03:29 PM

Meditation also finds utmost significance on this sacred festive occasion of Mahashivratri. In ancient times, people used to say, 'If you can't meditate daily, at least do it on Mahashivratri, stay awake & meditate.' Because meditating on this day serves very powerful and auspicious qualities. Chanting 'Om Namah Shivaya', the sacred Panchakshari mantra of Shiva, is also very fruitful as the five letters- 'Na', 'Ma', 'Shi', 'Va', 'Ya' symbolises the five elements of this eternal universe. Many people stay vigil on the night of Mahashivratri and perform Rudra Puja & Mahashivratri Puja. Shiva Chalisa is also read on this day. 'Shivalinga' are also worshipped on this day and 'Bel Patra' are offered to them. 'Bel Patra' finds an immense importance in astrology as it offers 3 different aspects affecting our mind and actions- rajas (for activity), tamas (brings inertia), and sattva (brings positivity). Special Pujas are also held at many places to worship Lord Shiva. Performing “Mahashivratri Puja” during “Nishita Kaal” is considered very auspicious.

As per “Drik Panchang”,

“Nishita Kaal Puja Time” -

• 12:07 AM to 12:56 AM, Mar 09, Saturday
• Duration - 00 Hours 49 Mins

Many devotees also visit Shiva temples and go on pilgrimage to Jyotirlingas. The major Jyotirlinga Shiva temples of India reside in Varanasi and Somanatha. Many fairs and other special events are also performed at these places.

There are lots of legends behind this greatest Hindu day- Mahashivratri.

• Some say that this night is supposed to be the night of convergence of Shiva & Shakti. On Mahashivratri, Lord Shiva was married a second time to Goddess Parvati, his divine consort.
• According to some legends, Lord Shiva performs his cosmic dance of 'creation, preservation, and destruction' on this day.
• While some mention that on this day, Lord Shiva caught Goddess Ganga in his matted locks when she descended from heaven to the Earth. That's why, Shivalinga is offered with water also.
• Other legends say that when Gods & demons churned the ocean to get ambrosia from it, a pot of poison emerged. Shiva consumed that poison to save both nature & mankind. That's why we observe him as blue.
• Many also say that the formless God Sadashiv appeared in the form of a Lingodbhava Moorthi at midnight. Hence, people stay awake the whole night on Mahashivratri.

The significance of Mahashivratri is also mentioned in Skanda Purana, Linga Purana, and Padma Purana. This Hindu festival is a solemn event notable for its introspective focus, self study, and social harmony. The togetherness of Shiva & Shakti on this day signifies love, and passion in a married life. It's a symbol of the marriage being about both the partners emerging strong at every succeeding stage of life. The alter ego of Mahashivratri pays a revered tribute to the dark, and the emptiness that comes before creation.

This day of Mahashivratri has lots of potent importance in both astrology and spirituality. On the night of this sacred occasion, the northern hemisphere of the Earth is positioned in such a way that it brings a natural upsurge of energies in human beings. In the Yogic tradition, instead of considering Lord Shiva as a God, he is worshipped as 'Adi Guru', the first Yoga Guru. They believe that after millennia of meditation, one day he became absolutely still, which is today known by the name "Mahashivratri." This night of Mahashivratri, being the darkest night of the month, can be taken as an opportunity to experience the unboundedness of the source of creation which is the basic seed in every human being.

This night is to remember and to take our awareness to the very basics of our own existence: Shiva. The mysterious and unknown energy which is driving everything in this huge world and making every living being alive is known as 'Shiva.' The name of the existence is 'Shiva.' Even the destruction is also 'Shiva.'

The day of Mahashivratri helps one overcome and let go of their past sins, bring undertones of fertility and familial harmony, initiate on the path of righteousness, achieve salvation (Moksha), bring positivity, peace, harmony and freedom, wake the divinity deep inside us, transform negative emotions, and surrendering the whole body and soul to the ultimate Divine. Basically, this night is reserved for self-reflection and introspection for the purpose of growth and leaving behind the things hindering one's success. Mahashivaratri is not only about attaining Lord Shiva's blessings but also as a test of one's own determination.

Let this night not just be a night of wakefulness, let it be a night of awakening for you.