📜 Significance:
Maha Shivaratri is a grand festival dedicated to Lord Shiva, symbolizing the cosmic dance of creation, preservation, and destruction. It marks the night when Shiva performed the Tandava Nritya (divine dance) and is also considered the day of his marriage to Goddess Parvati. In Maharashtra, devotees observe this night with fasting, vigil, and worship, seeking Shiva’s blessings for spiritual growth, purification, and liberation from sins. It represents the victory of light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance.
🗓️ When It’s Performed:
- Celebrated on the 14th night of Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight) in the month of Magha or Phalguna (February/March)
- The pooja is observed throughout the night (Raatri), beginning after sunset and continuing till early morning
🛐 Who Can Perform:
- Devotees of Lord Shiva of all ages and backgrounds
- Particularly observed by Shaivites and spiritual seekers
- Can be performed individually at home or in temples with the help of a Panditji
📦 Puja Samagri (Items Required):
- Bilva (Bel) leaves (most sacred offering)
- Water, milk, honey, ghee, curd, sugar for abhishekam (holy bath)
- Dhatura flower (if available)
- Sandalwood paste and vibhuti (holy ash)
- Incense sticks (Agarbatti) and ghee lamps (Deepak)
- Rudraksha beads
- Fruits, flowers, and sweets (Prasad)
- Holy thread (Moli)
🕯️ Main Rituals:
- Abhishekam: Offering milk, water, honey, ghee, curd, and sugar to the Shiva Linga
- Decorating the Shiva Linga with Bilva leaves and flowers
- Chanting of Shiva mantras like “Om Namah Shivaya” throughout the night
- Lighting of lamps and incense around the shrine
- Observing a full night vigil (Jagaran), staying awake in devotion
- Performing Rudra Abhishekam in temples (if possible)
⏳ Duration:
The pooja and vigil usually last throughout the entire night, approximately 6 to 8 hours
🎁 Benefits of Maha Shivaratri Pooja:
- Purification of mind, body, and soul
- Removal of past sins and negative karma
- Spiritual awakening and inner peace
- Blessings for health, prosperity, and family well-being
- Protection from evil forces and obstacles in life
