Maha Shivaratri 2024

Shiva means Kalyankari, and Shiva means Baba Bholenath, Shiva means Shivashankar, Shivashambu, Shivji, Shivji, Neelkanth, Rudra, etc. 

Lord Shiva is the most adored God among all Hindu Gods. He is loved by demons too. He is loved due to his simplicity. His rituals are also very simple. If Lord Shiva is invoked purely, He becomes pleased. Mahashivratri is celebrated everywhere. It is known for the union of Shiva and Shakti. Religiously, Mahashivratri is the symbol of Nature and Man union. Followers of Shiva keep fast on this day and seek God’s blessings. Temples continue to offer Shiva Milk and Water. According to Shiva Purana, Mahashivratri is celebrated on the fourth day of Krishna Paksha in the month of Falgun. It is the biggest festival of the Hindus. Monday is believed to be the day of Lord Shiva.

इस पेज को हिंदी में पढ़ने के लिए “महा शिवरात्रि” पर क्लिक करें।

Similarly, monthly Shivaratri is also celebrated. Mahashivratri is celebrated twice in a year, one in the month of Falgun and Shravan. The former is called Mahashivratri. People keep fast on this day and invoke Lord Shiva by following all the rituals, which are very simple. People offer Him water and fruits and stay awake for the whole night. They are on Kavadh and take Gangajal, which is used for bathing Lord Shiva.

For regular days We at Bajrangi Dhaam always perform a small Pooja ritual and Maha Shivratri celebration for selected followers & the overall prosperity of our large client base every year in the morning around 7.30 am. 

Why is Mahashivratri Celebrated?

Shivaratri is celebrated on the previous day of the New Moon, the fourteenth day of the month. Among all the Shivratri, the one which arrives during February-March holds particular importance. On this night, the northern corner of the houses is organized so that the energy of Nature enters appropriately. This day helps the people in reaching the religious and spiritual zenith. The rituals go on for the entire night. As the conventions are followed for the whole of the night, it is ensured that the spinal cord is straight and the rules of Nature are not disturbed.

Importance of Mahashivratri

This day holds importance for people who believe in spirituality and religion. It is also essential who are caught in the web of desires related to familial life. People who are caught in worldly affairs consider Mahashivratri as the day of attaining victory over the enemies. For spiritual leaders, Shivratri is the day when Lord Shiva went to Kailash and became a rock. As per Yogic tradition, Lord Shiva is not considered a God. He is considered to be a Yogic Guru who teaches the Shishyas about meditation. After a series of Yoga, Lord Shiva became as motionless as a rock. This day is believed to be Mahashivratri. After taking the form of a stone, all the movements inside him took a pause. That is why a lot of spiritual leaders consider the night of Mahashivratri as the night of motionlessness. 

Lord Shiva took a form for the first time

As per old myths, Lord Shiva gave his darshan for the first time on Mahashivratri. He gave his darshan in the form of Shivling in the fire in one of the Jyotirlingas, a shivalinga which had no end and no beginning. It is believed that Lord Brahma took the form of a dove and tried to see the topmost part of the Shivalinga but in vain. He couldn't reach the top part of the Linga. Even Lord Vishnu tried to know about the Shivalinga as a Varah but in vain. 

Union of Shiva and Shakti

Devotees of Lord Shiva are awake for the entire night on Mahashivratri. They celebrate the marriage of Shiva and Shakti. Lord Shiva left his Vairagya life and adopted Grihastha life and became a Grihastha. It is believed that the observation of Holi after a fortnight of Mahashivratri has this reason only. 

Shivalinga was seen at 64 places

One of the stories tells that on Mahashivaratri, the shivalinga emerged in 64 places. Among them, we only know the names of the 12 sites, and we call them Jyotirlinga. People lighten up diyas at the Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain to see the fire oriented invincible Linga. One of the idols of Lord Shiva is called Lingobhav, meaning which has emerged from the Linga, a Linga which has no end and no beginning. 

The Religious Rule of the Fasting on Mahashivaratri 

There are a lot of rules related to Mahashivaratri. These are:

 1. Mahashivaratri is celebrated on the first Chaturdashi, which is known as Nishithatvyapini. The eighth Muhurt at night is a critical phase. In other words, when Chaturdashi begins, and the eighth Muhurt meets with Chaturthi, then only Mahashivaratri is celebrated.

 2. Mahashivaratri is observed on the first day of the Nishit Kaal and Chaturthi, on the second day. Chaturdashi should be in contact with the 2nd Nishit in the first part of the previous day Nishit 

3. Except in two places, fasting is observed on the next day in every other area. 

Puja-Vidhi For Mahashivaratri

 1. Water/Milk is stored in a small mud container. Belpatra, Aak Dhature, and rice are kept on the container's top only to be put over the Shivalinga. If there is no temple in the vicinity, one can create a mud murti of Shiva and offer prayers. 

 2. On this day, Shiva Purana should be read, and Mahamrityunjaya Jaap, along with Shiv Panchakshar Mantra, Om Namah Shivaya, must be chanted. Staying awake at night is also a ritual on Mahashivatri 

3. According to the Shastras, it is best to observe this day at the Nishit Kaal. However, Purohits can perform the puja on any prahar as per their convenience. 

Shivaratri- Jyotish Perspective 

Lord Shiva is himself the Chaturthi Tithi. Every month, on the Chaturthi of Krishna Paksha, Mahashivaratri is celebrated. This tithi is considered to be auspicious. As per mathematical astrology, Surya Uttarayan happens, and Seasons changes also take place on Mahashivaratri. Moon is at its weak during Chaturthi of Mahashivaratri. Lord Shiva keeps Moon in his forehead, and that is why Moon is under control. Offering prayers to Lord Shiva helps in fulfilling desires, strengthens willpower, and increases courage.

Old Belief related to Mahashivaratri

There are many stories associated with Shivaratri. Goddess Parvati meditated for Lord Shiva. This resulted in the marriage of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati in the month of Falgun on Chaturdashi. That is why Mahashivratri is considered to be pious.

Once, there was a hunter named Chitrabhanu. He raised his family by killing animals. He had taken money from a moneylender, but an angry moneylender took him captive in a Shivamath because he could not clear the debt on time. And it was Shivratri that day. In the process of being confined, the hunter kept listening to Shiva's holy things in the monastery, while he also heard Shivaratri's story fast. In the evening, the moneylender called him and asked to repay the loan, and the hunter promised to return the entire loan the next day. The moneylender obeyed him and left him. The hunter set out to hunt in the forest. But due to being in captivity all day, he was disturbed by hunger and thirst. At sunset, he came near a reservoir and climbed a tree on the banks of a gorge there to drink some water, because he hoped that some animal would come here to quench his thirst.

The tree was of Bel-Patra, and there was a Shiva lingam under the same tree, which was hidden under a dried Bel-leaf. Hunter could not find the person. Tired of hunger and thirst, he sat on the same loft. The twigs he broke while making the scaffolding fell on the Shivling by chance. In this way, fasting and thirsty hunters also fasted throughout the day, and bell-sheets were offered to the Shivalinga. At one o'clock in the night, a pregnant lady came to drink water at the pond. As the hunter attacked, a few leaves and a few drops of water fell on the lingam made below, and inadvertently the hunter's first attack was worshiped. Mrigi said, I am pregnant and will have a baby soon. Do not kill two lives. It is not morally right.

I will give birth to a child and will present myself in front of you. The hunter did not kill it, and it ran away amidst the bushes. After some time, another Mriga came out of the bushes. The hunter was making himself ready for another attack. A few bells fell on the Shivalinga, and the hunter's second attack was on point. The deer said I had come back after a long time. I am in search of my husband. I will meet him and offer myself to you. The hunter was tensed as he did not kills two prey. The last hour of the night was passed. Then another deer escaped with her children. The hunter was about to kill when the deer said, "I will return these children to their father. Do not kill me this time. Please do not laugh and say, leave the victim in front. I am not such a fool. I have lost my prey twice before. My children must be suffering from hunger and thirst. In reply, Mrigi again said, just like you are concerned for your children, children, I am also worried for them. I will leave them to their father and surrender myself to you immediately. Hearing the deer's low voice, the hunter felt pity for him. He let that chicken escape too. In the absence of hunting, the hunter sitting on the vine tree was being thrown down by breaking the bell-sheet. The worship of his third Prahar was also done automatically. When the dawn came, another deer came, and the hunter had made his mind to kill it. The deer said, " If you have killed thforthree deer and small children that come before me, do not delay in killing me also as I do not wish to suffer the loss caused by their death. I am the husband of those deer. Please give me life too, if you have given them life. Hearing the deer, the hunter narrated the whole story to the deer. Then the deer said, the way my three wives have gone as promised, they will not be able to follow their path with my death. So, just as you have left him as a confidant, let me also go. I will come to you soon. The hunter's restless heart was purged by fasting, night-awakening, and offering the bell-sheet on Shivling. Bhagavad Shakti was in him. His hand missed the bow and arrow, and he let the antelope run.

After a while, the antelope appeared before the family hunter so that he could hunt them. Still, the hunter was very apologetic for seeing such a kindred spirit of wild animals. He started crying. By not killing that deer family, the hunter removed his hard heart from living violence and made him soft and kind forever. All the Dev Samaj from Devalok were also observing this event. After doing this, Lord Shiva was pleased and immediately showed him his divine form and gave him Guha's name by giving him a boon of happiness and prosperity. This was the guise with which Lord Sri Rama had made friends with him. If ignorance is such an outstanding result of worshiping Lord Shiva on the day of Mahashivaratri, then the worship of Devadhidev Mahadev will be all the pious.

Shiv Ji can offer Darshan through this Jaap

The most famous mantra is the Mahamrityunjaya Mantra to receive Mahadev's grace and blessings, the God of Gods. This is the mantra, which can remove the fear of untimely death and revenge. Mahashivaratri day is an essential day for Lord Shiva because, on this day, Shiva and Shakti meet. Rudraprashita of Shivpuran states that chanting the Mahamrityunjaya Mantra on Mahashivaratri can be helpful. According to Shiva Purana, by chanting Mahamrityunjaya Mantra, the devotee can fulfill his/her wishes. This year Mahashiva Yoga has been organized in which you can satisfy your desires by chanting this mantra.

1. According to Shiv Puran, if you chant the Mahamrityunjaya Mantra for a million times on the day of Mahashivaratri so that physical purification can occur, and diseases get removed. Negative energy gets released.

2. By chanting the Mahamrityunjaya Mantra two lakh times, you can get the achievement of remembering the things of your previous birth. According to the Puranas, there is a lot of power in this mantra, and you can also know about the past life.

3. If the devotee completes chanting of Mahamrityunjaya mantra three lakh times, then he can get the accomplishment of getting the things he desires. When this happens, his worldly life becomes very prosperous.

4. As per Shiva Purana, if Mahamrityunjaya Jaap is completed four lakh times, Lord Shiva can be seen in the dream.

5. Lord Shiva is very easy on his devotees. He soon becomes happy, so he is called Bholenath. On the day of Mahashivaratri, Lord Shiva gives direct darshan if the devotee completes the Jaap in 5 lakhs times.

6. On the day of Mahashivratri, if one chants Mahamrityunjaya Mantra 10 lakh times, he gets complete phal. One who looks for salvation attains salvation.

Include these in your Puja to make Lord Shiva Happy

1. Bholenath Mahadev has the title of being the creator of the whole universe. In Rudraprashita of Shivpuran, it is told that Shivaji is happy if we include these things during Puja on Mahashivaratri. As per astrology, Shivji loves Bel Patra. This leaf is used in the first place in the worship of Lord Shiva. It is believed that the three leaves of the belpatra are symbolical of the three eyes of Lord Shiva

2. If you use sesame and barley in Shivaji's puja, then all your sins come to an end. The blessings of ancestors are also given, and negative energy gets removed from the house.

3. You can use Bhasma in the puja of Bholenath. Bhasma is very dear to Lord Shiva. It must be kept in the worship of Lord Shiva on Shivaratri. If the fasting devotees put ash on Shivalinga, they gain divine powers.

4. You can use Rudraksha in the puja of Lord Shiva on Mahashivratri. Shiva and Rudraksha are parts of the same coin. Rudraksha is formed from the tears of Lord Shiva. The house gets purified by keeping Rudraksha in the place after worship.

5. You can also use Dhatura in the puja of Lord Shiva. It is believed that that Lord Shiva always uses Dhatura as food. During the Samudra Manthan, Lord Shiva had become quite agitated when he drank the poison. Then Dhatura had given him relief.

6. You can use silver or copper Trishul and snake in the worship of Bholenath on Mahashivratri. The snake is always in the neck of Lord Shiva. Establish Trishul and Nag of Pooja in the house. This will not harm the house.

What should be taken special care of during the worship of Shivji

In Rudraprashita of Shivpuran, it is told that during the puja of Shivji on this day, many things should be taken special care of. This not only completes the worship of Shiva but also blesses him. On the festival of Shivaratri, Shiva devotees fast with full devotion. On this day, a considerable number of devotees are seen in Shiva temples.

1. Lakshmi's accomplishment is attained by performing the rituals of Shivalinga with sugarcane juice on Mahashivratri. Also, you get freedom from all kinds of hostility. While offering sugarcane juice to Shivling, one should chant Om Namah: Shivaya.

2. When you do Abhishek with the water of a pilgrimage on Shivling, you get salvation. Related diseases and doshas also end. You will witness a magical change in life.

3. If both the husband and wife of Lord Shiva are given milk on Mahashivaratri, they get blessings to have children (See the link below to read more about this). Along with Brahmins, provide food to the poor and needy. This has been said in the Shiv Purana.

4. Worship of Lord Shiva not only brings wealth but also cures all diseases. This is considered to be good for healing.

5. The Shivpurana states that worshipping Lord Shiva with the thousand names of ghee from the stream of ghee expands the lineage, and on anointing with sugars mixed with milk, root wisdom also turns into superior intelligence.

6. You can get rid of debt (See the link below to read more about this) by offering whole rice to Lord Shiva on Mahashivratri. If you adorn and worship Shivling with cooked rice, then the Mangal Dosh of your horoscope also becomes slow.

Worship Lord Shiva Through Rudrabhishek on Mahashivaratri 

On Mahashivaratri, many people do Rudrabhishek to please Lord Shiva. Rudrabhisheka means the invocation of Lord Rudra, that is, the invocation of Rudra's mantras on the Shivling. Rudra is also considered as a form of Lord Shiva in the scriptures. It is believed that this form of Lord Shiva eases people's distress. According to a myth, Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma did Rudrabhisheka. It is believed that Lord Brahma got his form from the navel of Lord Vishnu. When Lord Vishnu revealed the secret of his origin to Lord Brahma, He was not ready to accept this, and there was a dispute between them, and both started fighting. An angry Lord Rudra appeared in the form of this war. This gender had neither the beginning nor the end. Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu tried to reach the base and back of this sex but in vain. He accepted his defeat and worshipped Linga. This made Lord Shiva happy. It is said that Rudrabhishek started from here. Shiva worship is performed in many ways. Rudrabhishek has great importance in this. This makes Mahadev happy immediately.

Rudrabhisheka means the invocation of Lord Shiva through Vedic mantras. It is believed that doing Rudrabhishek fulfills all the wishes of Shiva devotees and gets rid of suffering. It also destroys diseases and leads to recovery. Rudrabhishek is more helpful if done on Saavn month, Shivaratri, Mahashivaratri, and Pradosh. Once Mahadev was riding on the Nandi and was driving. Goddess Parvati, seeing Mahadev in Mrityuloka asked Bholenath why He is worshiped in Mrityulok. Mahadev said that the devotee worships with Shuklayujurveda Rudradashthyayi. I am pleased and will grant him the desired fruit soon. The desire for which the devotee performs Rudrabhishek is fulfilled.

Holy Water bath

To get rid of all sorrows, perform Jalabhisheka to Mahadev. At the same time, while doing Jalabhishek, picture Bholenath's child form. Fill the water with kumkum on a copper pot. Chant 'Molly' while chanting 'Om Indraya Namah.' Chant together 'Om Namah: Shivaay.' Offer flowers and Rudrabhishek with a small amount of water. During this, chant the mantra 'Om Tan Trilokinathaye Swaha.'

Holy Milk Bath 

To get the blessings of Bholenath, one should perform the milk bath of Lord Shiva. One should keep in mind the luminous form of Mahadev while performing the holy ceremony. Put kumkum on the copper lotus and tie Molly while chanting 'Om Sri Kamadhenve Namah.' Offer flowers while chanting 'Om Namah: Shivaay.' Rudrabhishek with a small amount of milk. During this, chant the mantra 'Om Sakal Lokac Gururvai Namah.' Get the Shivling bathed with clean water.

Holy Fruit- Juice Bath

Shivling should be bathed with fruit juice for the benefit of money and freedom from debt. While cleaning with fruit juice, one should meditate on the blue neck of Mahadev. Mouli should be tied by chanting the mantra 'Om Kuberai Namah': Put Kumkum on the copper lotus. Flowers should be offered while chanting 'Om Namah: Shivaay.' Rudrabhishek with a small amount of fruit juice. During this time, chant the mantra.

'Om Hrun Neelkanthaya Swaha.' Get the Shivling bathed with clean water.

Abhishek with mustard oil

Shivalinga should be bathed with mustard oil to prevent planetary obstruction. While bathing with mustard oil, one should keep in mind Lord Shiva's Pralayankar form. Mouli should be tied by chanting 'Om Bhan Bhairavai Namah' with a Kumkum on the copper lotus. Chanting 'Om Namah: Shivaay' should dedicate flowers. Fill the copper pot with mustard oil and perform Rudrabhishek. During this process, chant the mantra 'Om Nath Nathaye Nathaye Swaha.' Bathe with clean water. These things must be offered to Lord Shivaratri on Mahashivatri to receive his blessings to the fullest. Let us see what these things are:

1.Lord Shiva loves Dhatura. This must be offered to Him on Mahashivratri. As per old myths. Lord Shiva drank all the poison during Samudra Manthan. Dhatura helped HIm to bear the pain. Hence, He loves Dhatura. 

2. Just like the effect of the poison was lessened by Dhatura, similarly, if you offer water onto shivalinga, the difficulties in your life are going to end. 

3.As Lord Shiva is a Vairagi. He is offered ashes too. As per the Vedic and Religious texts, Lord Shiva loves to get adorned. By adorning him, the devotee is relieved from the worldly illusions. 

4. Offer ashes to Him in the morning after taking a bath; if the ashes are offered at dawn between 4-5, that's the best time. Women should not offer Him ashes as it is not considered to be auspicious. 

5.On Mahashivaratri, black til should be offered to Lord Shiva as it enhances the devotee's financial positioning. Paternal spirits are also satisfied when black til offered to Him. Allegations from the Father's side get resolved, thereby removing all the obstacles.

6.It is believed that Rudraksha got its form from Lord Shiva’s Tears. Offering Rudraksha to Him makes Him happy. 

7.Offering Rudraksha to Him will bring peace at home and removes all kinds of negative energies from the mind and heart. 

8.Silver Sword can also be offered to Lord Shiva on this day. This will help in getting rid of obstacles and achieving success. 

9.If someone is Kalsarpsdoshi, that person can offer Lord Shiva a pair of silver Naag-Naagin. After the ritual, these can be flown away in a river. 

Dont’ts for Shivaratri

Some things are to be kept in mind as don't during Shiva Puja. The following items must be avoided in Shiva-Pujan.

1. Do not use Shank while offering water to Lord Shiva as He had killed a demon named Shankhchudh. Shankh epitomizes this demon, who was also a devotee of Lord Vishnu. That is why Lord Vishnu is offered prayers with Shankh.

2. Tulsi leaves should not be used in Lord Shiva's puja as the former was the consort of Lord Vishnu. 

3. Lord Shiva should not be offered broken rice as it stands for incompleteness and impurity. Lord Shiva must be offered whole rice. 

4. Do not offer Kumkum. Kumkum symbolizes good luck, and Lord Shiva is a Vairagi who does not like Kumkum. 

5. Haldi and coconut water should not be offered to Lord Shiva as the former is related to Lord Vishnu and good luck, and the latter is associated with Goddess Laxmi.  

Go for solutions to Kaal Sarpa Dosh on Mahashivaratri 

As per astrology, people who have this issue need to go for solutions to get rid of problems arising due to this dosh. One needs to see the kundali to look for answers. 

Every kundali needs different solutions for Kaal Sarpa Dosh. If you know the kind of dosh you have, accordingly, solutions can be looked for. The following are the various kinds of Kaal Sarpa Dosh (See the link below to read more about this) and their solutions.

1. Anant Kaal Sarpa Dosh

- Wear one faced and nine faced Rudraksha on Naagpanchami if you have this dosh. 

- If you have health issues due to this dosh, you can flow away Raange coin in the river on Mahashivratri. 

2. Kuleek Kaal Sarpa Dosh

- Give away two-colored blankets and woolens to the needy. Offer prayers to silver balls and keep them with you.

3. Vasuki Kaal Sarpa Dosh

- Keep a little bit of Bajra near your pillow at night and give them away to birds in the morning. 

- Wear three faced or a nine faced Rudraksha on Mahashivratri. 

4. Shankhpal Kaal Sarpa Dosh

- Flow away 400g of almonds in the water. 

 - Use milk to bathe the Shivalinga 

5. Padam Kaal Sarpa Dosh

- Chant Saraswati Chalisa for forty days on Mahashivaratri. 

- Give away yellow clothes to the needy and plant tulsi. 

6. Mahapadma Kala Sarpa Dosh

- Chant Sundarkand at Hanuman temple. 

- Do charity in the form of food to the poor and helpless people. 

7. Takshan Kaal Sarpa Dosh

- Give away 11 coconuts in some water body. 

- Give away white clothes and rice as a charity

8. Karkotak Kaal Sarpa Dosh

- Visit Batukbairav temple and offer curd and jaggery to God as Bhog. 

- Offer food and clothes to the needy on Mahashivratri. 

 9. Shankhchudh Kaal Sarpa Dosh

- Keep some jowar in a cloth and place it near your pillow at night on Mahashivaratri. 

 - Wear eight faced and nine faced Rudraksha. 

10. Ghatak Kaal Sarpa Dosh

- Keep a bronze jug full of Gangajal at your Puja space.

- Wear a four-faced and nine faced green colored thread. 

11. Vishdhar Kaal Sarp Dosh 

- Every member of the family should touch one coconut each and give it away into the waters. 

- Charity should be done on Mahashivratri to the best of one’s abilities. 

12. Sheshnag Kaal Sarpa Dosh

- To cope with this dosh, you need to fold some Batasha and white flowers in a red cloth a keep it near your pillow at night. In the next day, give away this cloth into the waters. 

- Give away milk and white substances to the poor on Mahashivaratri

You can read my views of astrology for blessings to have children, get rid of debt and Kaal Sarpa Dosha.

You can read similar write-up on relevance of astrology in indian festivals for all other major Indian Festivals.