Maha Shivaratri: Celebrating the Night of Shiva

Date of Celebration in 2024: March 8th (Friday)

Why We Celebrate: Maha Shivaratri, also known as the “Great Night of Shiva,” is a major Hindu festival celebrated annually to honor Lord Shiva, one of the supreme deities in Hinduism. It holds several significances:

  • Marriage of Shiva and Parvati: Many believe Maha Shivaratri marks the celestial wedding of Shiva and Parvati, symbolizing the union of the masculine and feminine energies.
  • Overcoming Darkness: The festival signifies the triumph of light over darkness, both literally (occurring on the darkest night of the lunisolar month) and metaphorically, representing the victory of good over evil and ignorance.
  • Seeking Blessings: Devotees observe Maha Shivaratri by offering prayers and seeking blessings for spiritual growth, liberation, and fulfillment.

Top Quotes:

  • “On this auspicious occasion of Maha Shivaratri, may the blessings of Lord Shiva shower upon you and your loved ones. May you find peace, happiness, and prosperity in life.”
  • “May the observance of Maha Shivaratri ignite the inner light of wisdom within you and guide you on the path of righteousness and self-realization.”
  • “Om Namah Shivaya” (a sacred mantra chanted during Maha Shivaratri, meaning “I bow to the eternal Shiva”)

How to Celebrate:

  • Fasting: Devotees often observe a day-long fast, consuming only water or fruits.
  • Puja (Worship): Devotees offer prayers and perform puja (worship rituals) to Lord Shiva, typically involving offerings of bel leaves, milk, and flowers.
  • Jagran (Staying Awake): Many devotees stay awake throughout the night, chanting mantras, singing hymns, and meditating.
  • Temple Visits: Devotees visit Shiva temples to participate in rituals, seek blessings, and experience the festive atmosphere.

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Shiva Devotees Would Do Jalabhishek Of Lord Shiva On Mahashivratri

On the occasion of Mahashivratri, the Shiva devotees will perform jalabhishek at Shivalayas on Friday. The devotees had been decorating Shiva temples till late evening on Thursday. Also, the police and administration were busy making extensive security arrangements for the devotees.

Mahashivratri celebrations

• A batch of devotees from various districts of Gazipur will leave for Ganges to fill the holy water. They will go on foot and bring water for jalabhishek of Lord Shiva in Shiva temples on Mahashivratri.

• Special arrangements for Mahashivratri have been made at Shitala Mata Dham, Mathia Tola Shivala, Shiva temple at Bheeti, Shiva temple at Katuapura, Shiva temple at Azamgarh Mor, Shiv temple at District Hospital, Brahmasthan, Roadways Shiv temple, including Sindhi Baba Ki Kuti.

• Bhajan kirtan of Lord Shiva started on Thursday itself at various Shiva temples including Madhuban’sShivpurPanti, Kopaganj andLarodonwar.

• The temples are beautifully decorated with electric lights and religious programs organized for devotees.

• At major Shiva temples, the decoration of Lord Shiva would be done with flowers and the consecration would be with milk and holy water from Ganga.

• The Shiva temples would reverberate with chanting of Shiv mantras har-har-Mahadev throughout the day.

Mahashivratri is an annual festival that comes in the month of February. Devotees prepare for this festival all the year. They observe day long fast and offer jalabhishek to the Lord Shiva. The fasting ends with offering evening puja after sunset.

Source: https://bit.ly/2VcgRnq

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Recite This Prayer On Mahashivratri To Please The Lod Shiva

Mahashivratriis a Maha-Parv and it comes every year in the month of February. This year, it is coming on Friday 21st February. On this day, devotees offer special prayer to the Lord Shiva, who is the Lord of the Universe.

Mahashivratri puja

On this day, devotees keep fast and offer puja to the Lord Shiva that is very special. Performed in four different stages, the special puja is called Shodashopchar and it involves worshipping the Shiva Lingam in any Shivalaya or Shiva temple. People can even sit Shiva Lingam at their homes and worship the deity Mahashivratri.

After paying obeisance to the Lord Shiva, you should recite this special prayer with total devotion. The Lord Shiva listens to his devotees who recite this prayer regularly. It is said that reciting this prayer fulfills all wishes related to wealthy, prosperity, name, fame and good fortune.

Source: https://bit.ly/39QQzLw

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