Mahashivratri 2022: This is one of the most auspicious Hindu festivals celebrated by the devotees with a lot of enthusiasm and confidence. This year it is held on February 18 (Saturday). According to Drik Panchang, the festival falls on Chaturdashi Tithi during Krishna Paksha in the month of Magha. On this day, devotees fast, rudra abhishek and worship Lord Shiva to seek his blessings.
It is said that Shivratri is the union of two powerful forces in the universe Shiva and Goddess Shakti. Shiva is known as the God of Death and Goddess Shakti is the power to dispel evil forces.
Mahashivratri Puja Date and Time 2023
Maha Shivratri will be celebrated on February 18, 2023. Chaturdashi Tithi will start on February 18 at 20:02 and end on February 19 at 16:18. Meanwhile, on February 18 at 18:13 and ending at 21:24, the first Ratri Prahar Puja will take place.
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Mahashivratri: History
According to the Puranas, several stories and legends describe the origin of the Shivratri festival.
A story says that, during Samudra Manthan, a pot emerged from the ocean containing poison. All the gods and demons feared that this would destroy the entire world and so the gods ran to Lord Shiva for help. To protect the entire world from evil effects, Shiva drank the entire poison and held it in his throat instead of swallowing it. Due to this, his throat became blue and so he was also called Neelakantha. Shivratri is celebrated as an event to help Shiva save the world.
Another story mentioned in Shiv Purana is: Once upon a time Brahma and Vishnu were fighting with each other to see who was the superior of the two. The other gods were extremely scared so they approached Lord Shiva to intervene in the fight. To make them realize the futility of their fight, Shiva took the form of a giant fire that spread throughout the universe. Seeing the importance, both gods decided to find one end to establish supremacy over the other end. So, because of this, Brahma took the form of a swan and flew upwards, on the other hand, Vishnu assumed the form of Varaha and entered the earth. But the fire knew no bounds and they searched thousands of miles but found no end. On his upward journey, Brahma came across a Ketaki flower. He asked Ketaki where she came from; Ketaki replied that she had been placed atop the fire pillar as an offering. Brahma could not find the upper limit so he took the flower as a witness and came.
At this time, Shiva revealed his true form and became angry. Brahma did not find the highest limit and lied. So he was punished by Shiva for lying and cursed that no one would pray for him. Even Ketaki flowers are prohibited from being used as offerings for any worship activities. Since it was on the 14th day of the dark fortnight of Phalguna when Shiva first manifested himself in the form of Linga, this day is especially auspicious and is celebrated as Maha Shivratri. Worshiping Lord Shiva on this day is believed to bring happiness and prosperity.
According to another famous legend, Shiva bestowed Goddess Paravati, an avatar of Shakti, and wished to marry him as he was impressed by her devotion. On a moonless night, the goddess prayed for his health after their marriage. Today too, this ritual is performed by an Indian woman to pray for their husband’s long life.
Maha Shivratri is observed in several Indian states such as Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh and Bihar.
It is celebrated as the anniversary of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. It is also celebrated as the day on which Shiva saved the world from the pot of poison. Additionally, this day marks Brahma and Vishnu arguing over their supremacy.
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Mahashivratri: Meaning
Followers and devotees of Shiva observe special pujas and fast performances in several Shiva temples around the world. They offered milk to Shivaling and prayed moksha. Some devotees pray all night and chant in praise of Lord Shiva. Women pray for luck in having a good husband and a happy married life. On this day, many fairs and cultural programs are held in many temples.
It is also believed that those who perform puja, fast and pray to Lord Shiva will be blessed with blessings.
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Mahashivratri: Wishes and messages
1. May all the difficulties in your life be dispelled by Lord Shiva. Happy Maha Shivratri!
2. May divine glory remind you of your abilities and help you achieve success. Happy Maha Shivratri!
3. May the blessings of Lord Shiva always be with you and your family. Happy Maha Shivratri!
4. This Maha Shivratri, may Lord Shiva destroy all sorrows and remove all troubles to help you lead a happy and healthy life. Happy Maha Shivratri!
5. May Lord Shiva bless you with health, happiness and prosperity. Happy Maha Shivratri!
6. May Lord Shiva guide you and your family throughout your life! Happy Maha Shivratri!
7. May you receive the choicest blessings of Lord Shiva on the auspicious day of Maha Shivratri.
8. A day where positivity wins over negativity. Happy Maha Shivratri!
9. May Lord Shiva give strength and power to everyone who is facing difficulties. Happy Maha Shivratri!
10. May happiness and peace surround you and your loved ones. Happy Maha Shivratri!
So, now you might have to know about the history behind celebrating the auspicious festival of Maha Shivratri and its significance.
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