The much-awaited Maha Shivratri 2024 will be celebrated nationwide on March 8 (Friday). Dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, the Shivratri festival is celebrated across the country in full grandeur to pay obeisance to Lord Shiva – the destroyer and the most compassionate God of the universe.
The Shivratri marks the celebration of Lord Shiva’s marriage to Goddess Parvati. In celebration of their divine union, the holy day is celebrated as ‘The Night of Lord Shiva’.
Maha Shivratri Date and Timing
As per the Hindu calendar, the Maha Shivratru is celebrated on Chaturdashi Tithi of Krishna Paksha in Phalgun month. This year, it will be observed on March 8, 2024 (Friday). The occasion is the most important of all Masik Shivratris observed every month.
Puja Timings
Chaturdashi Tithi – Starting at 09:57 pm (March 8)
Chaturdashi Tithi – Ending at 06:17 pm (March 9)
Nishita Kaal Puja – Between 2:07 am to 12:56 am (March 9)
Shivratri Parana – Between 06:37 am to 03:29 am (March 9)
Maha Shivratri 2024 Puja Vidhi
Maha Shivratri brings great fervour and enthusiasm across India. Devotees observe a day-long fast, meditate, chant mantras & prayers, and perform rituals associated with Lord Shiva
Devotees visit Lord Shiva’s temple and offer ‘Panchamrit’. It is a mixture of -milk, curd, honey, sugar, and ghee.
Further, the following items are used to worship Lord Shiva – Supari, Roli, Moli, Akshat, Paan, Chandan, Doodh, Laung, Elaichi, Dahi, Ghee, Parijat, Honey, Dhatura, Kapoor and Bel Patra.
A mixture of these items is used for the ‘Jal Visarjan’ of Shivling. First, apply a paste of chandan on Shivling and then offer Panchamrit (mixture of the above ingredients) and the Om Namah Shivay chant throughout.
