Maha Shivratri 2024: Tithi, Vrat, Significance and History Behind!

Related Topics:Bhagwan ShivaFestivals and EventsHindu DeitiesRituals and Traditions

Maha Shivratri is one of the most important occasions in Hinduism. Maha Shivratri means “the great night of Lord Shiva,” who is the main deity of destruction, change, and rebirth. Maha Shivratri is observed on Chaturdashi Tithi Krishna Paksha day in Phalguna month. As per the lunar cycle, a total of 12 Shiv ratris occur in a year, and amongst them, the Mahashivratri is the most auspicious one. 

During this night, followers worship Shiva by fasting, praying, and chanting. They also stay awake all night and do different rituals to ask for Shiva’s blessings and protection. In 2024, the Maha Shivratri will be observed on March 8, Friday. Let us tell you more about it.

Maha Shivratri 2024 Tithi

The dates for Maha Shivratri 2024 are as follows:

• Chaturdashi Tithi Begins: 9:57 PM on Mar 8, 2024
• Chaturdashi Tithi Ends: 06:17 PM on Mar 9, 2024

For more exact puja timing, location wise, you can talk to your local pandit.

Are you planning to perform Rudrabhishek? Calculate the most asupicious day for Rudrabhishek here: Shiva Vaas and Rudrabhisek: How to Calculate the Tithis?

Now, let us tell you about the significance of this occasion. 

Why is Maha Shivratri Celebrated?

Maha Shivratri is a celebration of the marriage between Bhagwan Shiva and Devi Parvati. On this day, devotees fast as a form of devotion to Shiva. According to belief, Parvati wanted to marry Shiva, and all Hindu gods wished for the same. However, Shiva initially refused and even destroyed the proposal with his Third Eye. Parvati didn’t give up and continued praying for Shiva’s love. Eventually, Shiva couldn’t resist her love and agreed to marry her. The wedding was a joyous occasion attended by all gods, goddesses, and even ghosts and spirits. It’s a touching story that fills believers with overwhelming emotions. After hearing this story, believers often chant “Om Namah Shivaya.”

The festival marks the beginning of the bond between Shiva and Shakti, which is why Mahashivratri is celebrated with great enthusiasm throughout India.

Not only spiritually and religiously but Maha Shivratri has scientific significance as well. 

Scientific Significance of Maha Shivratri

Sanatan Hindu festivals are strongly influenced by the calendar, which is made by studying the movements of planets. Our lives are connected to the universe and affected by the planet’s motions, like a potter’s wheel. Thus, what happens in the solar system impacts us.

A planet’s axis doesn’t just spin; it also wobbles, affecting conditions on the planet. On Maha Shivratri, there’s a notable increase in energy, especially in the Northern Hemisphere, impacting bodily fluids.

After the winter solstice in December, the planetary alignment caused a significant surge of energy on this night. Lying down might block this energy, causing you to miss out on its benefits and possibly harming yourself.

To tap into this energy for a healthy life, sit up straight and keep your back aligned. This encourages the energy to rise higher and awaken your kundalini. The day of Maha Shivratri is an opportunity to overcome ignorance, which hinders our spiritual journey.

Maha Shivratri Fast: How to observe

You should observe the Maha Shivratri Vrat in the following manner:

• Wake up early in the morning, two hours before sunrise. 
• Take a bath and wear clean clothes. 
• Take the Sankalp to observe the fast
• Chant ॐ नमः शिवाय
• In the evening, take another bath before praying to Bhagwan Shiva.
• You should end your fast the next day. To get the most out of your fast, end it between sunrise and the end of Chaturdashi Tithi.

There is no other occasion as auspicious as Maha Shivratri in Hinduism. In the chaos of day-to-day life, we generally lose touch with our inner consciousness. Maha Shivratri is the day to rekindle that. Let us remember once again on this day that we are more than this world’s existence. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the significance of Maha Shivratri in astrology?

A: Maha Shivratri is a special day when the essence of Shiva, known as the Shiva Tattva (Principle), connects with the earth. On this day, the spiritual essence, which typically hovers about ten inches above the ground, comes into contact with the earth’s element. It’s like a sacred union between the material and the spiritual worlds.

Q: What happens to planets on Maha Shivratri?

A: During Mahashivaratri night, the planet’s tilt aligns perfectly for people in the northern hemisphere to experience a surge of energy. This occasion is ideal for performing spiritual activities such as yoga and meditation. 

Q: What is the difference between Maha Shivratri and Shivratri?

A: Mahashivratri stands out as the most significant among all Shivratris. While Shivratris happen every month, Mahashivratri occurs just once a year. Shivratri is observed on the fourteenth day of each lunar month, which is essentially the day before the new moon.