Shivaratri,
also spelled as Shivratri or Shiv Ratri, is a Hindu festival that is dedicated
to Lord Shiva, one of the principal deities in Hinduism. The festival is
celebrated annually on the 14th day of the dark fortnight of the Hindu month of
Phalguna, which typically falls in late February or early March in the
Gregorian calendar.
Read below to know the date and time of Shivratri of 2023
On
this day, devotees of Lord Shiva observe a day-long fast, and many of them
visit Shiva temples to offer their prayers and perform special rituals. It is
believed that observing the fast and worshipping Lord Shiva on this day can
help in attaining inner peace, enlightenment, and salvation.
The
festival of Shivaratri holds great significance in Hindu mythology and is
celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion across India and other parts of
the world.
Significance of the Mahashivratri festival
The
festival of Shivaratri holds great significance in Hindu mythology and is
celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion across India and other parts of
the world. Here are some of the main reasons why this festival is so important:
Worship
of Lord Shiva: Shivaratri is primarily a festival dedicated to the worship of
Lord Shiva, who is believed to be the supreme deity in Hinduism. It is said
that worshipping Lord Shiva on this day can bring spiritual benefits and help
in attaining salvation.
Celebration
of marriage: Shivaratri is also known as the “Great Night of Shiva”
and is believed to be the day when Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati got married.
The festival is therefore seen as a celebration of the divine union of Shiva
and Parvati, and the cosmic balance between male and female energies.
Rejuvenation
of the soul: It is believed that by observing a day-long fast and staying awake
all night, devotees can purify their souls and rejuvenate their bodies. The
festival is seen as an opportunity to let go of negative energies and cultivate
a sense of inner peace and clarity.
Symbolism
of darkness and light: Shivaratri is celebrated on the 14th day of the dark
fortnight, which symbolizes the darkness of ignorance and the struggle to find
spiritual light. By staying awake all night and performing special rituals,
devotees aim to overcome the darkness and attain spiritual enlightenment.
Maha Shivratri 2023 Date and Time
This year, the auspicious festival
of Maha Shivaratri falls on February 18, 2023. Read below the auspicious
timings of the festival according to Drik Panchang.
|
Chaturdashi Tithi Begins |
08:02 pm on Feb 18, 2023 |
|
Chaturdashi Tithi Ends |
04:18 pm on Feb 19, 2023 |
|
Ratri First Prahar Puja Time |
06:13 pm to 09:24 pm |
|
Ratri Second Prahar Puja Time |
09:24 pm to 12:35 am, Feb 19 |
|
Ratri Third Prahar Puja Time |
12:35 am to 03:46 am, Feb 19 |
|
Ratri Fourth Prahar Puja Time |
03:46 am to 06:56 am, Feb 19 |
Significance of Maha shivratri fasting
Fasting
on Maha Shivratri is considered to be of great significance in Hindu mythology.
Here are some of the reasons why fasting is considered important on this day:
Purification of the body and mind:
Fasting is believed to help in purifying the body and mind by eliminating
toxins and negative energies. It is seen as a way to prepare oneself for the
worship of Lord Shiva, and to create a state of inner peace and clarity.
Offering devotion to Lord Shiva:
Fasting on Maha Shivratri is considered to be a way of offering one’s devotion
to Lord Shiva. By abstaining from food and other physical pleasures, devotees
aim to demonstrate their love and devotion for the deity.
Overcoming negative energies:
Fasting is seen as a way of overcoming negative energies and emotions such as
anger, jealousy, and greed. By observing a day-long fast, devotees aim to
cultivate a sense of detachment and focus on the divine qualities of Lord
Shiva.
Gaining spiritual benefits:
It is believed that by fasting on Maha Shivratri, one can gain spiritual
benefits such as increased self-awareness, inner peace, and enlightenment. The
festival is seen as an opportunity to let go of worldly desires and connect
with the divine energies of Lord Shiva.
Overall,
fasting on Maha Shivratri is considered to be an important aspect of the
festival, and is believed to help in creating a sense of spiritual upliftment
and connection with Lord Shiva.
Popular legends regarding the Maha
Shivratri festival
According
to Hindu mythology, the significance of Maha Shivratri is rooted in several
legends associated with Lord Shiva. One of the most popular legends is the
story of the churning of the ocean, known as the Samudra Manthan. During this
event, the gods and demons churned the ocean in search of the nectar of
immortality.
As
a result of the churning, a deadly poison called Halahala emerged from the
ocean, which had the power to destroy the entire world. Lord Shiva then drank
the poison to save the world, and held it in his throat, which turned blue due
to the poison. This is why Lord Shiva is also known as Neelkanth, which means
“the one with a blue throat”.
The
day of Maha Shivratri is believed to be the day when Lord Shiva drank the
poison, and is celebrated to honor his bravery and victory over evil. It is
also believed to be a day when Lord Shiva performs the Tandava, a divine dance
that signifies the cycle of creation and destruction.
Overall,
the significance of Maha Shivratri is deeply rooted in Hindu mythology and is
celebrated with great devotion and enthusiasm across India and other parts of
the world.
Frequently asked questions about Maha Shivratri:
What is Maha Shivratri?
Maha
Shivratri is a Hindu festival celebrated annually in honor of Lord Shiva. It is
believed to be the night when Lord Shiva performs the Tandava, a divine dance
that signifies the cycle of creation and destruction.
When is Maha Shivratri celebrated?
Maha
Shivratri is celebrated on the 14th night of the dark half of the Hindu month
of Phalguna, which falls between February and March in the Gregorian calendar.
How is Maha Shivratri celebrated?
Maha
Shivratri is celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion across India and
other parts of the world. Devotees observe a day-long fast, stay awake all
night, and offer prayers to Lord Shiva. Special puja (worship) rituals are also
performed, and devotees often visit Shiva temples to seek the deity’s
blessings.
What is the significance of Maha
Shivratri?
Maha
Shivratri is considered to be a day of great spiritual significance in Hindu
mythology. It is believed to be a day when Lord Shiva drank the poison produced
during the churning of the ocean, and saved the world from destruction. The day
is therefore celebrated to honor Lord Shiva’s bravery and victory over evil.
What are the benefits of observing
Maha Shivratri?
Observing
Maha Shivratri is believed to bring a range of spiritual benefits, including
increased self-awareness, inner peace, and enlightenment. It is also believed
to help in overcoming negative energies and emotions, and to create a sense of
spiritual upliftment and connection with Lord Shiva.
Conclusion
In
conclusion, Maha Shivratri is a Hindu festival celebrated annually in honor of
Lord Shiva. The festival is celebrated on the 14th night of the dark half of
the Hindu month of Phalguna, which falls between February and March in the
Gregorian calendar. Maha Shivratri is observed with great enthusiasm and
devotion, and is believed to bring a range of spiritual benefits, including
increased self-awareness, inner peace, and enlightenment. The festival is
rooted in Hindu mythology, and is associated with several legends that
highlight the bravery and victory of Lord Shiva over evil. Overall, Maha
Shivratri is considered to be a day of great spiritual significance, and is
celebrated with great fervor across India and other parts of the world.
