Maha Shivaratri Puja Muhurat: Shivaratri is a pious Hindu festival that is celebrated in the month of February or March i.e. Phalguna month according to the Hindu calendar. Maha Shivaratri means ‘The Great Night of Lord Shiva’. The festival is dedicated to the Hindu God Shiva and is celebrated by keeping fasts, performing poojas and chanting prayers. It is one of the major festivals that are celebrated in the Hinduism.
This year Maha Shivratri is going to be celebrated on 24th of February with great pomp and show. People visit Shiva temples to offer prayers and some stay awake the whole night. Fairs and special events are also organised on the occasion. In every single Hindu household, Lord Shiva is worshipped. The most popular Shivaratri celebrations are done in Mandi, Himachal Pradesh where more than 200 gods and goddesses assemble on the occasion.
Shiva temples are decorated with flowers and lights. There are huge gatherings of the devotees in the temples who pray for the wellness and prosperity of their families and loved ones. Many cultural events also take place every year dedicated especially to Lord Shiva. It is said that he showers his blessings and love on his true devotees.
Maha Shivaratri Puja Muhurat and Puja Vidhi to Worship Lord Shiva
Hindus are very particular about the shubh muhurtas and vidhis when it comes to performing poojas and doing all the rituals. The Maha Shivratri festival is celebrated keeping in mind the Maha Shivaratri Puja Muhurat and all the traditions and rituals are performed according to that. It is a great festival of convergence of Shiva and Shakti.
Shivaratri is celebrated on the Chaturdashi Tithi during Krishna Paksha in the month of Magha according to South Indian calendar while is celebrated in the month of Phalguna according to the North Indian calendar. The Shivaratri puja is done one time or four times during the auspicious night. The night is divided into four Prahar in order to perform the puja four times.
The Shivaratri vrat is kept by the devotees one day before Shivaratri when they eat only one time in the whole day. After the morning rituals are done, devotees observe the full day fast on Shivaratri and take food next day. They seek blessings of Lord Shiva to keep their fasts throughout the day.
Maha Shivaratri Shubh Muhurat and Pooja Timings
Chaturdashi Tithi Begins at: 21:38 on 24th February 2017
Chaturdashi Tithi Ends at: 21:20 on 25th February 2017
Nishita Kaal Puja Time: 00:15 to 01:06 on 25th February 2017
Duration of Puja Timings: 0 Hours 51min
Maha Shivaratri Parana Time: 07:03 to 15:29 on 25th February 2017
Ratri First Prahar Puja Time: 18:18 to 21:29 on 24th February 2017
Ratri Second Prahar Puja Time: 21:29 on 24th February 2017 to 00:40 on 25th February 2017
Ratri Third Prahar Puja Time: 00:40 to 03:51 on 25th February 2017
Ratri Fourth Prahar Puja Time: 03:51 to 07:03 on 25th February 2017
