Maha Shivratri 2024: Know the date, mythological origin, rituals, and more

It is marked by a day and night of fasting, prayers, and meditations, during which devotees worship Lord Shiva and meditate on ethics and virtues such as honesty, non-injury to others, charity, forgiveness, and the discovery of Shiva.

As it is celebrated widely in India, Nepal, and by Hindus across the world, here’s all you need to know about Maha Shivratri, from date to history, rituals, significance and more

When is Maha Shivratri 2024: Date and Timings

Maha Shivratri is observed on Chaturdashi Tithi (fourteenth day) of Krishna Paksha in the lunar month of Phalgun as per the Hindu calendar Drik Panchang. It occurs once every year, typically in February or March, marking the transition from winter to spring and summer, thereby highlighting the themes of renewal and rebirth.

In the year 2024, Maha Shivratri will be celebrated on March 8th, that is Wednesday. Here are the specific timings for various significant rituals are as follows:

• Chaturdashi Tithi begins at: 09:57 pm on 8 March 2024
• Chaturdashi Tithiends at:06:17 pm on 9 March 2024
• Nishita Kaal Puja: 2:07 am to 12:56 am on 9 March 2024
• Shivaratri Parana: 06:37 am to 03:29 am

Maha Shivratri 2024: Mythological History

The mythological history of Maha Shivratri has rich cultural and mythological origins, signifying various important aspects of Lord Shiva. Some of the most prominent tales associated with Maha Shivratri include:

• Marriage of Shiva and Parvati: One of the most popular stories is that Maha Shivratri marks the day when Lord Shiva married Goddess Parvati. This union is celebrated as it symbolises the harmony of the mind and soul, as well as the convergence of masculine and feminine powers in the universe.
• Samudra Manthan (Churning of the Milky Ocean): According to this saga, during the process of Samudra Manthan by the gods and demons to obtain amrita (the nectar of immortality), a pot of poison emerged from the ocean. This poison was so potent that it could destroy the entire universe. To protect the world, Shiva consumed the poison, and Parvati, his consort, touched his throat, which turned blue due to the poison. Hence, Shiva is also known as Neelkanth (the one with the blue throat). Maha Shivratri celebrates this act of saving the universe.
• Shiva’s Cosmic Dance: It is also believed that Maha Shivratri is the night when Lord Shiva performs the heavenly dance of creation, preservation, and destruction. This dance is called tandava, and it is believed to be the source of the cycle of creation, preservation, and dissolution in the universe.
• Shiva Lingam: Another significant aspect of Maha Shivratri relates to the worship of the Shiva Lingam, representing Shiva’s formless aspect. Legends say that on this day, Shiva manifested as a lingam for the first time. Devotees observe fasts, perform rituals, and offer milk, water, bel leaves, and fruits to the Shiva Lingam, seeking blessings for well-being and moksha (liberation from the cycle of birth and death).

Maha Shivratri 2024: Significance and Rituals

Referenced in ancient scriptures such as the Skanda Purana, Linga Purana, and Padma Purana, Maha Shivratri holds a deeper significance than many realise. The practice of fasting from sunrise to sunset on this day is more than a ritual; it’s a step towards dispelling ignorance and discovering one’s true self, attracting blessings and prosperity, and clear away past wrongs and starting anew. It’s an opportunity to reflect, reconnect with the divine, and embark on a path of spiritual growth.

People chant the shlok “Om Namah Shivay” all night and while offerings to Lord Shiva, which include leaves of the bilva tree, dhatura, milk, fruits, and sweets, creating an environment filled with devotion, spirituality, and divine presence.

As some also view it as the holy union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, it represents the perfect balance of power and energy. Others recall the story of Lord Shiva protecting the world from darkness by consuming deadly poison that surfaced during the cosmic ocean’s churning, highlighting how this spiritual journey can lead to liberation from the endless cycle of birth and death.

Traditionally, it’s believed that Lord Shiva performs his cosmic dance of Tandava on Maha Shivratri, portraying the natural cycles of creation, maintenance, and dissolution of the universe. Praying to Lord Shiva on this auspicious day is thought to cleanse sins and guide individuals on a path of virtue.

Maha Shivratri is celebrated across India with different customs and traditions. In northern states, devotees fast and visit Shiva temples, while in southern states like Tamil Nadu, grand celebrations at temples like the Annamalaiyar are observed. In the western Indian state of Maharashtra, people chant prayers and offer thandai. In West Bengal and Odisha, unmarried girl devotees fast for a suitable husband and happy married life.