MahaShivratri
MahaShivratri, or the Great Night of Shiva, is a Hindu competition celebrated yearly in honor of Lord Shiva. It is determined at the thirteenth night time and 14th day of the lunar month of Phalguna (February or March). At the moment, devotees of Lord Shiva provide prayers, fast, and perform rituals to are looking for his blessings.
The festival holds first-rate importance in Hindu mythology and is thought to commemorate the day whilst Lord Shiva achieved the Tandava, the cosmic dance of creation, upkeep, and destruction. Devotees trust that looking at fasts and offering prayers on Mahashivratri will bring them top fortune and cleanse them of their sins.
Many people stay wakeful all night, accomplishing prayers and chanting hymns committed to Lord Shiva. Temples dedicated to Lord Shiva are decorated with lights and decorations, and devotees visit these temples to offer milk, water, and bilva leaves to the Shiva lingam, the image of Lord Shiva.
MahaShivratri is not only a religious festival but also a cultural occasion celebrated with first-rate enthusiasm and fervor throughout India. It is a time for religious mirrored image, devotion, and renewal of faith in Lord Shiva.
Mahashivratri Puja
On MahaShivratri, devotees carry out a special puja to honor Lord Shiva. The puja normally starts in the evening and continues through the night. Devotees easily decorate the puja location with flora, diyas (oil lamps), and other traditional items. They provide prayers, chant mantras, and perform abhishekam (ritual bathing of the Shiva lingam) with water, milk, honey, yogurt, ghee, and sandalwood paste. Some additionally provide results, bilva leaves, and other sacred gadgets to Lord Shiva. Throughout the night, devotees live wakeful, conducting bhajans (devotional songs) and meditation, seeking the benefits of Lord Shiva for health, prosperity, and spiritual growth.
Mahashivratri Vrat
On Maha Shivratri, many devotees take a look at a fast, known as "Shivratri Vrat," as a mark of devotion and penance. The speed generally starts at sunrise and ends tomorrow after the sighting of the moon. Devotees abstain from ingesting food and drinks at some point during this period and awareness of prayers and meditation. Some human beings might also eat culmination, milk, or light ingredients a couple of times during the day. The fast is thought to cleanse the frame and thoughts, and it's far stated to bring spiritual blessings. After the quick is damaged, devotees frequently partake in an easy meal, normally without onion or garlic, as a way to conclude the fasting duration.
Three Mahashivratri Mantra’s:
- Om Namah Shivaya
- Om Tryambakam Yajamahe Sugandhim Pushti Vardhanam Urvarukamiva Bandhanan Mrithyor Mukshsiya Mama Amritat
- Om Tatpurushaya Vidmahe Mahadevaya Dhimahi Tanno Rudrah Prachodayat
Types of Mahashivratri fasting:
Full-day Complete Fast: no food and water for 24 hours.
Partial Fast: only fruits, milk, nuts, or other light foods are allowed during the daytime
Sabudana Vrat: allows to consume food made with Sabudana (tapioca pearls
One-Time Meal: one-time food at night after Mahadeep is taken to the top of the temple.
Frequent asked Questions :
Question: is mahashivratri a national holiday?
Answer: No
Question: When is Mahashivratri?
Answer: 8th March 2024 (Friday)
Question: Is the bank closed on Mahashivratri?
Answer: Yes, banks will be closed on Mahashivratri, on 8th March 2024 (Friday). Mahashivratri is the most famous Hindu festival in India and that’s the reason banks are observed holiday on this day in many states. This applies to both public and private sector banks in several states all over India.
Holidays in these States: Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Chandigarh, Uttarakhand, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Jammu and Kashmir, Kerala, Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and Himachal Pradesh.
Question: Is the stock market closed on Mahashivratri?
Answer: Yes, Both the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) and the National Stock Exchange (NSE) celebrate the holiday on the occasion of Mahashivratri, on 8th March 2024 (Friday).
Question: Different types of Mehndi designs for Mahashivratri
Answer:
There are so many beautiful Mehndi designs available for Mahashivratri:
- Trishul Design
- Om Namah Shivaya Mantra
- Damru Design
- Rudraksha Design
- Shiva and Parvati Design
- Floral Designs
Question: Is Mahashivratri a public holiday?
Answer: No, it depends from state to state. These states are celebrating holidays Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Chandigarh, Uttarakhand, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Jammu and Kashmir, Kerala, Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and Himachal Pradesh.
Question: Mahashivaratri 2024 date and time
Answer: 8th March 2024 (Friday)
Question: Is Mahashivratri a dry day?
Answer: No, it depends from state to state. These states are celebrating holidays Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Chandigarh, Uttarakhand, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Jammu and Kashmir, Kerala, Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and Himachal Pradesh.