Mahashivratri 2024: Know the ‘Puja’ timing, Fasting rules, Offerings to Lord Shiva, other details

Mahashivratri 2024: The Hindu Festival Honoring Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, Celebrated on 8th March, Friday. This auspicious occasion is marked by grand celebrations in temples across India, where devotees offer prayers to Lord Shiva, the destroyer and the compassionate deity of the universe.

Mahashivratri is celebrated on the Chaturdashi Tithi of Krishna Paksha in the month of Phalgun according to the Hindu calendar.

Maha Shivratri 2024: Know date, history, significance, timing, other details

Mahashivratri 2024: Date and time

Mahashivratri will be celebrated on 8 March.

Mahashivratri 2024: Puja time

Chaturdashi Tithi begins at 09:57 pm on 8 March

Chaturdashi Tithi ends at 06:17 pm on 9 March.

Nishita Kaal Puja is 2:07 am to 12:56 am on 9 March

And, Shivaratri Parana time is between 06:37 am to 03:29 am

Mahashivratri 2024: Why is the festival celebrated

In Hindu mythology, it is believed that Lord Shiva wed Goddess Parvati on this night. This occasion, known as ‘The Night of Lord Shiva,’ commemorates their divine union. Lord Shiva symbolizes Purusha, representing mindfulness, while Maa Parvati symbolizes Prakriti, symbolizing nature. The merging of consciousness and energy through their union fosters creation.

Maha Shivratri on 8 March: Know all about history, significance, other details

Mahashivratri 2024: Puja rituals

Keeping fast during Mahashivratri is considered very auspicious. Devotees of Lord Shiva go to the temple and offer ‘Panchamrit’ to Lord Shiva. Panchamrit is a mixture of -milk, curd, honey, sugar, and ghee.

Mahashivratri 2024: Fasting rules

On Mahashivratri, many followers of Lord Shiva observe fasts. Some opt for a strict fast abstaining from both food and water, while others include items such as potatoes, makhana, bananas, and pumpkins into their diet during this auspicious day.

Individuals observing a fast on Mahashivratri should refrain from consuming wheat, rice, salt, specific vegetables, pulses, and similar foods. Additionally, the consumption of non-vegetarian items, as well as onion and garlic, should be strictly avoided during this sacred observance.

Mahashivratri 2024: Things you can offer to Lord Shiva

One can offer ‘bbel patra, dhatura flower, curd, ghee, sandalwood’ to Lord Shiva. Additionally, sweets made with milk and its products like barfi, peda, and payasam/kheer can also be offered to the almighty on this day.

During this puja, devotees should refrain from using a kumkum tilak and instead opt for sandalwood paste.