Maha Shivratri 2024, an auspicious Hindu festival, will be celebrated on Friday, March 8, 2024. The Nishita Kaal puja timing is from 12:07 AM to 12:56 AM, on March 09, 2024. We wish you a very happy Maha Shivratri.
Maha Shivratri is one of the most important festivals in the Hindu religion. It is known by several names such as “The great night of Shiva”, Padmarajarathi, etc. The festival is dedicated to Lord Shiva. On this day, devotees of Lord Shiva observe a strict fast and do different religious activities. It is believed that those who observe fast on Maha Shivratri get blessings from Lord Shiva and rid of all his previous sins and misdeed. It is also said that Maha Shivratri marks the anniversary of the cosmic dance (Tandava) performed by Lord Shiva.
Maha shivratri 2024 Date and Time
According to the Hindu calendar, Shivratri is celebrated on the 14th day of every month i.e. one day before the new moon date. In total, there are 12 shivratri’s in a year. Out of all these Shivratri, Maha Shivratri is the most important one. Generally, Maha Shivratri falls in the month of February and March. It is often said that devotees must worship the lord on Maha Shivratri as per the Shubh Muhurat only. Given below are the date and times of celebrating Maha Shivratri in 2024.
| Date in India | March 8, 2024 |
| Day | Friday |
| Nishita Kaal Puja Time | 12:07 AM to 12:56 AM, on March 09, 2024 |
| Duration | 49 Minutes |
| Maha Shivratri 2025 Date | 26th of February |
| Maha Shivratri 2026 Date | 15th of February |
Shivratri 2024 Puja Time
| Parana Time | March 9, 6:37 AM to 03:29 PM |
| Ratri First Prahar Puja Timing | 6:25 PM to 09:28 PM |
| Ratri Second Prahar Puja Timing | March 9, 9:28 PM to 12:31 AM |
| Ratri Third Prahar Puja Timing | March 9, 12:31 AM to 03:34 AM |
| Ratri Fourth Prahar Puja Timing | March 9, 3:34 AM to 06:37 AM, |
| Beginning of Chaturdashi Tithi | March 8, 9:57 PM |
| End of Chaturdashi Tithi | March 9, 6:17 PM |
Importance of Mahashivratri Festivals
As we have already said in this post above, it is believed that Goddess Parvati got married to Lord Shiva on this day. It is believed that those who worship Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati on this day get rid of all their problems in marital life.
To do that, both husband and wife should observe fast on Maha Shivratri. According to Hindu rituals, it is also believed that girls who observe fast on Maha Shivratri can get the desired Husband. If the problems are occurring in the marriage of a girl then she should observe this Vrat.
In addition to this, Maha Shivratri Vrat is also auspicious in order to get rid of your sins in this and previous births. Devotees should worship Lord Shiva with full dedication on the occasion of Maha Shivratri.
What is the Puja Vidhi of Maha Shivratri?
The method to worship Lord Shiva on Maha Shivratri is explained below.
- Devotees must wake up early on MahaShivratri and take a bath.
- After taking the bath, you should wear clean clothes.
- Next, you should take a vow (sankalp) and seek blessings from Lord Shiva so that you do this vrat successfully.
- If you can do so, you should visit the visit the temple.
- Offer bel leaves, Calotropis gigantea flower, Datura flower, etc. to Shivlinga.
- Do aarti of Lord Shiva at the end of your prayers.
- Finally, do prana as per the prana muhurat given above in this post
List of Maha Shivratri Puja Samagri
Wooden chowki
Gangajal
Water
Unused white cloth (three piece)
Panchamrit
Gulal
Kalava
Janeu
Panch Patra
Vibhuti
Akshat
Chandan
Tamboolam
Dry fruits
Bel patra
Fruits
Naivedhya
Dhoop
Pushpam
Perfume or itra
Camphor for aarti purpose
Matchbox
Mustard oil or ghee
Difference between Shivratri and Maha Shivratri
Shivratri is quite different from Maha Shivratri. The difference between the same is explained below.
As per Hindu rituals, Shivratri is celebrated on the fourth day of Krishna Paksha. It is also called Pradosh. There are 12 total Shivratri in a year.
On the other hand, Maha Shivratri is celebrated only once in a year. Here, “Maha” means great. It is celebrated on the 4th day of Krishna Paksha in Falgun month. The mention of Maha Shivratri is available in the Shiv Puran. It is believed that those who observe fast and do worship on Maha Shivratri get all his wishes fulfilled.
Maha Shivratri Vrat katha in Hindi (महाशिवरात्रि व्रत की कथा PDF Download)
mahashivratri-ki-vrat-kathaFrequently Asked Questions
It falls on March 8
Many people observe nirjala vrat on Mahashivratri. However, you can have milk fruits, certain vegetables and non-grain items during fast.
It is recommended not to sleep in night. Involve yourself listening Lord Shiva stories, chant mantras, sing songs, and meditate.
It is recommended to wear green coloured clothes.
March 9, 12:07 AM to 12:56 AM
Hello I want to ask when to start fasting and break fasting
हर हर महादेव
WHAT IS NISHITA KAAL PUJA?
Shivratri Puja is performed at midnight and therefore this is also called Nishita Kaal.