Maha Shivratri 2023 will be celebrated today, Saturday, February 18th. Maha Shivratri is the most important of the 12 Shivratris celebrated in a year and is celebrated in February or March, depending on the position of the planets. Every month, Shivratri falls on the 14th day of the month, one day before the new moon.
MAHA SHIVARATRI: SIGNIFICANCE
Hindus observe Maha Shivaratri, also known as Padmarajarathri or ‘The Great Night of Shiva’, annually as a festival to honor Lord Shiva.
On this day, Lord Shiva married Goddess Parvati. Shiva is said to have entered deep meditation after Sati died. Sati reincarnated as Parvati to become the consort of Lord Shiva. As a result, Mahashivratri marks the union of Shiva and Parvati on the 14th of the dark fortnight in the month of Phalguna.
MAHA SHIVRATRI 2023: PUJA TIMINGS
Nishita Kaal puja timings on Saturday, February 18, 2023, beginning from 12:12 AM to 01:00 AM, February 19.
Duration – 00 Hours 48 Minutes
On 19th February, Shivratri Paran Timings – 06:40 AM to 03:34 PM
- Ratri Pratham Prahar Puja Time – 06:33 PM to 09:34 PM
- Ratri Dwitiya Prahar Puja Timings – 09:34 PM to 12:36 AM, Feb 19
- Ratri Tritiya Prahar Puja Timings – 12:36 AM to 03:38 AM, Feb 19
- Ratri Chaturtha Prahar Puja Timings – 03:38 AM to 06:40 AM, Feb 19
Chaturdashi Tithi Begins – February 18, 2023, at 08:02 PM
Chaturdashi date ends – February 19, 2023, at 04:18 PM
MAHA SHIVRATRI: PUJA VIDHI
On Maha Shivratri, milk, curd, honey, belpatra, hemp, dhatura, white sandalwood, seasonal fruits, Ganga Jal, cow’s milk, cow’s ghee, white flowers, sugarcane juice, white bura, etc. are offered to Lord Shiva.
MAHA SHIVARATRI VRAT RULES:
Lord Shiva’s devotees observe the special Mahashivratri vrat during which they abstain from eating cereals and grains. Their meal largely consists of potatoes, sabudana, kuttu (buckwheat), fruits, milk, and water. Some devotees do not even consume that and go on fasting for a day without taking a single drop of water.
There are some devotees who don’t even consume that and go on a daylong fast without drinking a drop of water.
