Mahashivratri is also called Shivaratri, Maha Sivaratri, Maha Sutharatri or Shiv Puja. The festival is celebrated by Hindus all over the world in many forms. People fast (some eat only once a day) and take long baths in preparation for the night's fast. The festival falls in the Phalguna month of the Hindu calendar and is set on the 13th night of the waning moon or 14th day of the month. The auspicious time for puja varies from region to region, but usually falls between 6 and 11 p.m.
Shiva is worshiped as a lingam (Sanskrit meaning "sign" or "distinguishing symbol"), which is a pillar that is often put on a receptacle to symbolize female creative force.
During Mahashivratri devotees recite hymns in praise of Lord Shiva and perform special pooja and yagna. They take baths in the evenings, and keep lamps lit throughout the night. The pooja is a common worship performed through incense, lighting of diya (lamp) and other offerings in the temple.
The festival involves prayers directed to Shivatmika (form of Shiva) and the goddess Pravati Devi. Devotees observe fasts to bless themselves with health, wealth and prosperity in their worldly life as well as on their spiritual journey. On this day, couples are traditionally given new clothes and sweets, or are given prasad to give to those who have died lately.
Let’s enlighten our spiritual souls and dive deep to know more about Mahashivratri 2022.
Mahashivratri- History
"Mahashivratri” has been called "the most important Hindu festival". It is marked by fasting, an ancient tradition among Hindus. There is some evidence of Shivratri being celebrated since 800 BC. Shivratri is celebrated in many parts of India by both Hindus and Buddhists. It is looked upon as a great festival of joy and the ultimate stage when Lord Shiva remains the master of the universe.
Mahashivratri is a festival of great religious and historical significance celebrated in Hinduism. Known as the Festival of Shiva, it commemorates the God Shiva and usually falls in late February or early March on the Gregorian calendar.
Shivratri is lit with lights to re-enact the god's night-long dance when he breaks his fast. The festival begins with a Puja, or ritualistic prayer ceremony, which marks its commencement from sunset of the previous day until dawn of a new day. Many people fast on the day of Shivratri and observe fasts during the entire night.
Mahashivratri 2022 Auspicious Time
This year, Mahashivratri will start from 3.16 am on 1st March and will continue till 10 am on Wednesday, 2nd March. The night worship will start from 6.22 pm in the evening till 12.33 pm. During the night time of Shivratri, four pahar is worshiped.
Mahashivratri 2022 Char Pahar Puja Timings
1: Pehle Pahar Puja (First Watch)
March 1, from 6:21 minutes in the evening to 9:27 minutes.
2: Dusre Pahar Puja (Second Half)
March 1, night from 9:27 minutes to 12: 33 minutes.
3: Teesre Pahar Puja (Third Watch)
March 1, from 12:33 in the night to 3:39 in the morning.
4: Chauthe Pahar Puja (Fourth Pahar)
March 2, from 3:39 am to 6:45 am.
Auspicious time of fasting on Maha Shivratri 2022 will last until 6.46 pm on Wednesday, March 2.
Maha Shivratri 2022 Puja Vidhi
This is a holy festival and the vidhi should always be followed. First Pahar of the Maha Shivaratri is known as Shivratri Pujan.
1- On Shiva night, Shiva Lingam should be bathed with Panchamrit. Then with the water infused with saffron (kesar), sandalwood paste, rosewater, and Vimal (a form of Kush or sandalwood) and anoint with sandalwood and turmeric paste. Offer 8 lots of saffron water and light a night lamp.
2- Include three belpatras, bhang dhatura, tulsi, nutmeg, lotus gutters, fruits, sweets, sweets, betel leaves, perfumes, and dakshina in your offering. After all, make saffron kheer and deliver the prasad.
3 - While performing the puja, chant the mantra “Om Namo Bhagavate Rudraya, Om Namah Shivaya Rudraya Shambhavya Bhavanipatye Namo Namah.”
All in all, Mahashivratri, the day of Lord Shiva, is one of Hinduism's most important festivals. This festival is observed and celebrated on the Chaturdashi of Krishna Paksha in the month of Falgun. Mahashivratri 2022 will fall on Tuesday, March 1, Lord Shiva will be adored by millions of devotees. Goddess Parvati and Bhole Baba are said to grant every wish of their devotees on Maha Shivratri.
You now understand the significance of Mahashivratri and the auspicious worship season!
