Maha Shivaratri

Maha Shivaratri

Maha Shivaratri is one of the significant festivals dedicated to Lord Shiva. The day has many legends associated with it. Some of them are,

Legends :

  • It is believed that during the creation of the universe, Lord Shiva was incarnated as Lord Rudra during the midnight of Maha Shivaratri with the grace of Lord Brahma.

  • It is believed that Lord Shiva got married to Goddess Parvati on the very same day. The festival is observed as the convergence of Shiva and Shakti. Hence, for many Shiva devotees, Shivaratri is observed as the marriage anniversary of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.

  • As per Hinduism, the creation and the destruction of the universe is a cyclic process. When the time comes, Lord Shiva destroys the whole creation with the fire of His third eye while performing the cosmic dance known as Tandava. It is believed that it is the day of Maha Shivaratri when Lord Shiva does the Tandava. Hence, Maha Shivaratri marks the anniversary of cosmic dance performed by Lord Shiva.

  • It is believed that during the churning of the great ocean the poison also came out of the sea. It had the power to destroy the whole creation. Lord Shiva drank the poison and saved the whole world from annihilation. Hence, Maha Shivaratri is observed as the thanksgiving to Lord Shiva.

  • The day of Maha Shivaratri is considered the most favorite day of Lord Shiva. Hence devotees worship Lord Shiva and observe a day and night long fast to please and to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva on His favorite day.

Divine fasting details :

One day before Shivaratri , on Trayodashi, devotees should eat only one time. On Shivaratri day, after finishing morning rituals devotees should take Sankalp to observe full day fast on Shivaratri and to take food next day. During Sankalp devotees pledge for self-determination throughout the fasting period and seek blessing of Lord Shiva to finish the fast without any interference. Hindu fasts are strict and people pledge for self-determination and seek God blessing before starting them to finish them successfully.

On Shivaratri day devotees should take second bath in the evening before doing Shiva Puja or visiting temple. Shiva Puja should be done during night and devotees should break the fast next day after taking bath. Devotees should break the fast between sunrise and before the end of Chaturdashi Tithi to get maximum benefit of the Vrat. According to one contradictory opinion devotees should break the fast only when Chaturdashi Tithi gets over. But it is believed that both Shiva Puja and Parana i.e. breaking the fast should be done within Chaturdashi Tithi.

Shivaratri puja can be performed one time or four times during the night. The whole night duration can be divided into four to get four Prahar to perform Shiva Puja four times.

Pooja time :

Nishita Kaal Puja Time - 12:04 AM to 12:53 AM

Ratri First Prahar Puja Time - 06:20 PM to 09:24 PM

Ratri Second Prahar Puja Time - 09:24 PM to 12:28 AM

Ratri Third Prahar Puja Time - 12:28 AM to 03:32 AM

Ratri Fourth Prahar Puja Time - 03:32 AM to 06:36 AM