Maha Shivaratri 2023: Date, Time, Puja Vidhi, Shubh Muharat, Mantra and Significance

MAHA SHIVARATRI 2023: Maha Shivaratri is one of the most important festivals for Hindus. The day is dedicated to Lord Shiva and it is celebrated with grand festivities across India. Devotees keep fast on this day and worship Lord Shiva to seek his blessings. It is believed that keeping fast and worshipping Lord Shiva only for one day on Maha Shivaratri will bestow you with blessings for a lifetime.

As per the Hindu calendar, Maha Shivaratri falls on chaturdashi tithi or the 14th day of the Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight) in the month of Phalguna, which corresponds to the months of February and March on the Gregorian calendar.

This year Maha Shivaratri will be celebrated on Saturday, February 18. According to the panchang, Chaturdashi Tithi will begin at 8.2 pm on February 18 and end at 4.18 pm on February 19. Here’s a look at shubh muhurat, puja vidhi and rituals of the day.

Maha Shivaratri Shubh Muhurat

Ratri first prahar puja time: 6.13 pm to 9.24 pm, February 18

Ratri second prahar puja time: 9.24 pm on February 18 to 12.35 am, February 19

Ratri third prahar puja time: 12.35 am to 3.46 am on February 19

Ratri fourth prahar puja time: 3.46 am to 6.56 am on February 19

Nishita Kaal Puja Time: 12.09 am to 1 am, February 19

Mahashivratri Parana Time: 6.56 am to 3.24 pm, February 19

Maha Shivaratri Mantras

Om Namah Shivaya॥

1. Om Tryambakam Yajamahe Sugandhim Pushti-Vardhanam Urvarukamiva Bandhanat Mrityormukshiya Mamritat॥
2. Karpur Gauram Karunavataram, Sansara Saram Bhujagendra Haram | Sada Vasantam Hridayaaravinde, Bhavam Bhavani Sahitam Namami
3. Om Tatpurushaay Vidmahe Mahadevaay Dheemahi Tanno Rudrah Prachodayat.

Maha Shivaratri Puja Rituals

1. Maha Shivaratri rituals include keeping fast throughout the day, worshipping of Lord Shiva and an all-night vigil lighting the lamp at temple.
2. On this day devotees perform ‘abhishek’ of Lord Shiva with milk, curd, ghee, honey and water.
3. Sweets, fruits, flowers and bael leaves are also offered to Lord Shiva.
4. Many devotees keep a strict fast for the entire day.
5. Grand festivities including community fairs, processions of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati in palanquins, jagaran or religious gathering and chanting of mantras have become essential parts of the celebration.

Maha Shivaratri Legend

There are many mythological tales associated with Maha Shivaratri. It is believed that the festival marks the holy marriage anniversary of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Another prevalent belief is that on the auspicious night of Maha Shivaratri, Lord Shiva appeared in the form of Shivlinga for the first time.

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