Maha Shivaratri is a much awaited festival in India dedicated to Lord Shiva. This year the festival will be celebrated on Tuesday, 1st March 2022.
Author: Dr. Palash Thhakur (Celebrity Astrologer, Numerologist, Tarot Reader, Spiritual Healer)
As per South Indian Hindu calendar, Maha Shivaratri falls under the Magha month. According to North Indian Hindu calendar, it falls in the Krishna Paksha Chaturdashi of Phalguna month.
Maha Shiaratri Significance / Legend
In a lunar month, every dark night before the new moon is called a Shivaratri. However, Maha Shivaratri holds special significance. It is also dubbed as “The Great Night of Shiva”. Legends surrounding Maha Shivaratri.
1. According to one legend. : Maha Shivaratri marks the convergence of Shiva and Shakti – the masculine and feminine energies that balance the world.
2. According to Second Legend. : It is believed that on this day Lord Shiva drank the deadly poison that emerged during Samundra Manthan; to save the world. He also got titled “Neelkantha”.
3. According to Third Legend. : During the fight between Vishnu & Brahma over supremacy, Shiva intervened by assuming the form of a fire column between the two. To establish the supremacy, both tried to find the two ends of this column. Brahma took form of a swan. Vishnu took form of a varaha. While both failed to find an end, Brahma stumbled upon Ketaki, a flower offering at top of the firey column. He took the fire as a witness to establish his win. Angered by the lie, Shiva cursed Brahma that no one would pray to him. Ketaki was also banned as a form of offering. This was the 14th lunar day of the Phalguna month. This was also the first time Shiva took the form of a “Linga”.
Rituals of Maha Shivaratri
Across India, 4 Prahar (time division of 3 hours each) puja will be performed as a standard practice. Temples will be decorated with colorful flowers. The decoration and puja ceremonies at the 12 jyotirlinga temples will be sites to witness. Moreover, a night-long vigil or Jagran will be done where people pray, dance and celebrate “overcoming darkness and ignorance”. Furthermore, many devotees across the country will also head to Ganges / Ganga for a holy dip. Also, daan / donations will be given to the poor, animals and the needy.
Fasting on Maha Shivaratri is considered auspicious. It is a great way to liberate yourself from all the desires. It is also beneficial for aligning yourself with the one. During the fast, devotees read Shiva Chalisa to seek the lord’s blessings. The auspicious mantra to chant on Maha Shivaratri is ॐ नमः शिवाय / Aum Namah Shivaya . One can either recite this 108 times during each of the four prahars or 1100 times throughout the day.
Maha Shiavaratri Puja Samagri List
Shiva Linga or Shiva Photo
Maa Parvati Photo
Ganesha Photo
Wooden Aasan (stool for sitting)
Holy Bell
Kalash or Copper Pot
Thali
White Cloth
Fruits
Cow’s Milk
Cow’s Ghee
Coconut
Yoghurt
Sweets
Panchamrit (mixture of yoghurt, honey, milk, ghee and sugar)
Bilwa Leaves
Arka Leaves
Zaiphal
Cotton Wicks
Matchbox
Dhoop
Itra
Astaghandha
Camphor
Sindoor
Gulal
Moli
Roli
Bhasm
Gangajal
Honey
Betel Leaves
Janeu
Bhang
Cloves
Rose Water
Abir
Bukka
Ghee
Diya (Earthen tealight)
Kusha
Dhatura Flowers
Garland of Flowers / Genda & Mogra Mix
Shami Leaves
Maha Shivaratri 2022: Tithi, Puja Muhurat & Time to Break Fast
Day: Tuesday
Date: 1 March, 2022
Nishita Kaal Puja Time: 12:14 AM to 01:00 AM (March 02)
First Prahar Puja Time: 06:28 PM to 09:33 PM
Second Prahar Puja Time: 09:33 PM to 12:39 AM, March 02
Third Prahar Puja Time: 12:39 AM to 03:44 AM, March 02
Fourth Prahar Puja Time: 03:44 AM to 06:50 AM, March 02
Time to Break Fast / Parana: 06:50 AM
Chaturdashi Tithi Begins: 03:16 AM on March 01, 2022
Chaturdashi Tithi Ends: 01:00 AM on March 02, 2022
** Print or Read: Shiva Chalisa in Hindi
*** Print or Read: Shiva Aarti in Hindi