Mahashivratri 2024; Temples, Date, how & why to celebrate

On March 8, 2024, people will celebrate Mahashivratri, a festival devoted to Lord Shiva. To obtain blessings from Lord Shiva, devotees keep fasts, carry out rites like Abhishekam, and recite mantras.

It is observed on the Chaturdashi Tithi during Krishna Paksha in the month of Magha, this auspicious day has particular significance for Lord Shiva’s devotees. This is a day of fasting, prayers, and rituals for the devotees. The night ends with a Shiva puja, and the next day they break their fast.

According to Hindu traditions, The Mahashivratri narrative is intricately woven into Hindu epic, adorned with numerous legends that reveal its profound significance. One notable story recounts the divine union of Lord Shiva with his consort, Parvati, on this auspicious day. On the night of Mahashivratri, Shiva performed the cosmic dance of Tandava, symbolizing the rhythmic patterns of creation, preservation, and destruction within the universe. In Sanskrit, “Mahashivratri” translates to “the big night of Shiva.”

In another one, Maha Shivratri commemorates the night when Lord Shiva executed the cosmic dance, known as the Tandava, symbolizing creation, preservation, and destruction. Followers hold the belief that during this auspicious night, the cosmic energy reaches its zenith, and prayers and offerings to Lord Shiva attract the most profound blessings and divine grace.

Extensive events are held at various temples throughout the nation to enhance the holiday. Rudra Abhishek puja, in which the Shiva linga is immersed in a hallowed concoction of milk, honey, yoghurt, and gangajal, is a popular form of worship during Maha Shivratri.

Several revered temples join the festivities:

• Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga: Nestled in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, this ancient temple by the Shipra River is hailed as one of Lord Shiva’s sacred abodes.
• Somnath Temple: Situated in Prabhas Patan, Veraval, Gujarat, the Somnath Temple is renowned for its grand celebrations of Maha Shivratri, featuring the Rudra Abhishek Puja.
• Kashi Vishwanath Temple: Located in the sacred city of Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, this ancient temple attracts devotees worldwide, particularly during Maha Shivratri.
• Bhimashankar Temple: Positioned in Bhimashankar village, Pune district, Maharashtra, this temple holds significance as one of the twelve jyotirlingas globally. Devotees observe the Rudra Abhishek Puja with profound devotion during Maha Shivratri.