Maha Shivratri 2023: Know when is Maha Shivratri, shubh muhurat, puja vidhi, time, vrat - all you need to know

Maha Shivratri 2023 date: Maha Shivratri in 2023 will be celebrated on February 18, Saturday. Maha Shivratri is one of the most auspicious days in the Hindu calendar as Hindus believe that Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati married on this day. Devotees on this day observe fast and pray to Lord Shiva.

Maha Shivaratri 2023: Origin and Significance

There are several beliefs associated with Shivaratri, some of the popular ones are -

-It is believed that during the creation of the universe, Lord Shiva was incarnated as Lord Rudra during the midnight of Maha Shivaratri with the grace of Lord Brahma.

-Another story associated with the day is that the wedding of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati took place on this day. The festival signifies the convergence of Shiva and Shakti. Hence, for many Shiva devotees, Shivaratri is observed as the wedding anniversary of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.

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-As per Hinduism, the creation and the destruction of the universe is a cyclic process. When the time comes, Lord Shiva destroys the whole creation with the fire of His third eye while performing the cosmic dance known as Tandava. It is believed that it is the day of Maha Shivaratri when Lord Shiva does the Tandava. Hence, Maha Shivaratri marks the anniversary of cosmic dance performed by Lord Shiva.

-It is believed that churning of the great ocean yielded poison, along with other beneficial things. And it posed a threat to the entire creation. So, in order to protect all other beings, Lord Shiva drank the poison and held it in his throat — turning it blue, and giving him the name "Neelkanth". Hence, Maha Shivaratri is also observed as an occassion to thank Lord Shiva for his benevolence.

-The day of Maha Shivaratri is considered as the most favourite day of Lord Shiva. Hence, devotees worship Him on this day and observe a day-and-night-long fast to please and to seek His blessings.

Maha Shivratri 2023: Date, Time, Muhurat

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Maha Shivratri 2023: Rituals

-One day prior to Shivaratri Vrat (fast), most likely on Trayodashi, devotees should eat only one time.

- On the day of Shivaratri, after finishing morning rituals, devotees should observe a fast throughout the full day and consume food the next day.

- On Shivaratri, devotees should also bathe in the evening before performing Shiva Puja or visiting temples.  

-Shiva Puja should be done during night and devotees should break the fast the next day after taking bath.

-Devotees should break the fast between sunrise and before the end of Chaturdashi Tithi to get maximum benefit of the Vrat.

- It is believed that both Shiva Puja and Parana (पारण) i.e. breaking the fast should be done within Chaturdashi Tithi.

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