New Delhi: Maha Shivratri is one of the most revered festivals celebrated throughout the country. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva, the destroyer and one of the three dieties of Trinity--Brahma, Vishnu, Mahesh. Brahma is the Creator, Vishnu is the Administrator and Mahesh is the Destroyer.
Lord Shiva is honoured as Mrityunjaya - one who has conqured death. That is why Lord Shiva symbolises 'prana'.
Maha Shivratri falls on the 14th day of the dark fortnight in the Hindu lunar month of Phalguna or Magha, in February or March. This year, the Maha Shivratri is celebrated as per the following schedule:
Date and Time Chaturdashi Tithi Begins - February 26, 2025 - 11:08 AM
Chaturdashi Tithi Ends - February 27, 2025 - 08:54 AM
Nishita Kaal Puja Time - February 27, 2025 - 12:08 AM to 12:58 AM
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Significance of Maha Shivratri
Mahashivratri means the "Great Night of Shiva". According to traditions, on this day Lord Shiva got married to Goddess Parvati and entered 'grihastha jeevan'. This festival is celebrated to mark the 'Shubh Vivah' of Shiv-Parvati.
Fasting
Fasting is done as a means of purifying the mind, body and soul. It also shows reverence and dedication to Lord Shiva.
Traditions and Rituals
1. On the day of Maha Shivratri, Devotees should wear new clothes after taking bath and should go to the Shiva temple to offer prayers with sweets, flowers, bel patra, milk, honey, curd. Many devotees worship Shiva with 'Rudrabhishek'.
2. Doing Mrityunjaya Jaap at least 108 times brings special positive effects in life.
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Mrityunjaya Mantra
ॐ त्र्यम्बकं यजामहे सुगन्धिं पुष्टिवर्धनम् |
उर्वारुकमिव बन्धनान्मृत्योर्मुक्षीय माऽमृतात् ||
Aum Tryambakam yajaamahe sugandhim pushtivardhanam |
Urvaarukamiva bandhanaan-mrityormuksheeya maamritaat ||
Meaning Of This Mantra
We worship the three-eyed One, who is fragrant and who nourishes all.
Like the fruit falls off from the bondage of the stem, may we be liberated from death, from mortality.
3. Some devotees also read Shiva Puran on this day to achieve health and happiness.
