Maha Shivratri 2023: The auspicious festival of Maha Shivrtari is here. The Hindu devotees on this day observe fast and offer their prayers to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. By offering water, milk, belpatra, flowers and others on Shivling, devotees please the God and seek blessings for a happy and wealthy life. There are a lot of stories attached to the great night of Shiva, including the wedding of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati and the other being Shiva's power to save the world from destruction. This is one of the reasons that unmarried women on this day observe fast and seek blessing to get a good husband. On the other hand, married women offer prayers for a happily married life.
Maha Shivratri literally means 'The Great Night of Shiva' during which devotees chant shlokas and pray to the mighty lord from midnight till the next day. On this Maha Shivratri, wish prosperity, happiness, and luck to your near and dear ones through messages, images, different quotes, and status.
Maha Shivratri, a significant festival devoted to Lord Shiva, is celebrated annually in the month of Magha according to the South Indian calendar and Phalguna based on the North Indian calendar. Unlike the monthly Shivratri, Mahashivratri is commemorated only once a year, to honor the night when Lord Shiva performs his Tandava Nritya. According to another myth, the day celebrates the night of Lord Shiva's marriage to Parvati. This year, Mahashivratri is being observed on February 18, 2023, across the country.
Mahashivratri is a celebrated festival in various states from Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Bihar to Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, or Telangana. Devotees visit Shiva temples, perform Shiv Archana, and offer milk, dhatura bel patra, sandalwood paste, ghee, sugar, and other bhog items to the Shivling. The devotees observe a fast throughout the day and break it the next morning.
The Mahashivratri Puja is conducted during the night.
While fasting, devotees can consume satvik food items such as buckwheat, ragi, sabudana, fruits, and certain vegetables. Those who observe the fast should follow the following Dos and Don'ts.
What are the customs and traditions associated with Mahashivratri?
The devotees of Lord Shiva visit Shiva temples, perform Shiv Archana, and offer milk, dhatura bel patra, sandalwood paste, ghee, sugar, and other bhog items to the Shivling. People fast throughout the day and break it the next morning.
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