When is Mahashivratri 2023 and why is it celebrated?
When is Mahashivratri in 2023 and why is it celebrated? Read the ancient story related to Mahashivratri and know how to worship on this day. Know what are the benefits of fasting and worshiping on this day.
When is Mahashivratri in 2023?
Although the Chaturdashi of Krishna Paksha of every Indian month is considered Shivaratri. The Chaturdashi of Krishna Paksha of Phalgun month is celebrated as Mahashivaratri.
In 2023, Mahashivratri will be celebrated on February 18, Saturday. This day is considered very auspicious. On this day, people worship Lord Shiva and keep a fast. There are different stories associated with Mahashivratri. Some people believe that Lord Shiva and Mata Parvati were married on this day. The oldest story is of a hunter who unknowingly worshipped Lord Shiva on the day of Mahashivratri and has been blessed.
Why is Mahashivratri celebrated?
There are 3 main reasons to celebrate Mahashivratri.
- According to Shiva Purana, Lord Sadashiv first appeared in the form of Shivalinga on the day of Mahashivaratri. It is believed that lord Shiva’s Jyotirlinga was illuminated on this day. That day was the Chaturdashi date of Krishna Paksha of Phalgun month. For this reason, Mahashivratri is celebrated every year on the Phalgun Krishna Chaturdashi date.
- As per the mythology, the meeting of Shiva and Shakti took place on Mahashivaratri. Lord Shiva and Shakti were married to each other. Leaving recluse Shiva had entered the householder’s ashram. Because of this, Shiva processions are taken out at many places on the occasion of Mahashivaratri. On this day the devotees of Shiva also get the marriage of Shiva Parvati done. According to religious beliefs, the marriage of Shiva and Mother Parvati removes the problems of marital life and makes married life happy.
- In accordance with the mythology, Dwadash Jyotirlinga appeared across the country on the day of Mahashivaratri. These 12 Jyotirlingas are Somnath Jyotirlinga, Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga, Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga, Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga, Kedarnath Jyotirlinga, Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga, Vishwanath Jyotirlinga, Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga, Vaidyanath Jyotirlinga, Nageshwar Jyotirlinga, Rameshwar Jyotirlinga, and Ghrishneshwar Jyotirlinga. Mahashivratri is also celebrated as a celebration of the appearance of these 12 Jyotirlingas and Lord Shiva is worshiped.
Mahashivratri Puja Vidhi
There are different beliefs about Mahashivaratri in different places and due to this, Mahashivratri is celebrated in many ways. On this day, shiva devotees take a bath in holy rivers such as Ganga and Yamuna at sunrise. Clean and sacred clothes are worn after bathing. After this, Lord Shiva is worshiped through various mantras and chants in homes and temples. Shivling is bathed with milk and water.
Talking about the entire worship method of every Shivaratri, first of all, the Shivalinga is bathed with holy water or milk. After bathing, sindoor is applied to Shivling. After this, fruits are offered on Shivling. After this, food and incense are offered. Some people also offer money on Shivling.
After this, from the spiritual point of view, a lamp is lit in front of the Shivalinga as a symbol of knowledge. After this, betel leaves are offered on pan Shivling, about which there are many special beliefs.
Mahashivratri is considered to be the night of awakening. On Mahashivaratri, great worship and aarti of Shiva is done at night. On this day, Shiva and Parvati are married imaginary at night and a procession is taken out. In some sects, there is a belief of dancing, singing, and celebrating happiness on this night, so they organize fairs and awakenings.
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