Mahashivratri, an annual Hindu festival, honors Lord Shiva. It takes place on March 8, 2024, and includes diverse rituals such as fasting, chanting mantras, offering prasad, performing Rudrabhishek, visiting temples, taking a holy bath and reading holy scriptures dedicated to Lord Shiva. Additionally, this festival is associated with the story of Lord Shiva’s marriage with Goddess Parvati after rigorous penance.
Mahashivratri, observed annually, is a revered Hindu festival dedicated to honoring Lord Shiva. It stands as the pinnacle of reverence in the worship of Lord Shiva throughout the year. Devotees from around the globe converge in India to partake in this sacred occasion, journeying to various Shiva temples. On this propitious day, individuals carry water from diverse sources of the Ganges, offering this pure “Ganga Jal” to Lord Shiva.
This year, Mahashivratri falls on the Chaturdashi Tithi of Krishna Paksha in the Phalguna Month, marking March 8, 2024, as the auspicious date for its celebration.
Mahashivratri 2024: Check Puja Muhurat
| Tithi | Date and Time |
| Mahashivratri Celebration | March 8, 2024 |
| Chaturdashi Tithi Begins | March 8, 2024 – 09:57 PM |
| Chaturdashi Tithi Ends | March 9, 2024 – 06:17 PM |
| Ratri First Prahar Puja | March 8, 2024 – 05:54 PM to 08:56 PM |
| Ratri Second Prahar Puja | March 8, 2024 – 08:56 PM to 11:57 PM |
| Ratri Third Prahar Puja | March 8, 2024 – 11:57 PM to March 9, 2024 – 02:58 AM |
| Ratri Fourth Prahar Puja | March 8, 2024 – 02:58 AM to March 9, 2024 – 06:00 AM |
| Nishitha Kaal | March 8, 2024 – 11:33 PM to March 9, 2024 – 12:21 AM |
| Shivratri Parana | March 9, 2024 – 06:00 AM to 02:56 PM |
Nishitha Kaal is not considered auspicious so people are advised not to perform puja during that period and that starts from March 8 – 11:33 PM and March 9 12:21 AM.
Mahashivratri 2024: Significance
Mahashivratri holds profound significance within Hindu Scriptures, being revered as one of the most sacred festivals. This auspicious occasion is intricately linked with the veneration of Lord Shiva, a principal deity in Hinduism. According to ancient texts, Mahashivratri commemorates the day when Lord Shiva rescued the cosmos from darkness and ignorance by consuming the poison that emerged during the churning of the ocean. Observers of this festival typically engage in rigorous fasting and offer prayers to Lord Shiva as acts of devotion.
Legend further recounts that during Mahashivratri, devotees emulate the celestial beings and sages by ceremonially anointing Lord Shiva with substances like milk, bhang, curd, and sandalwood, purportedly to mitigate the effects of the toxic poison. This tradition persists as adherents believe it holds spiritual significance in symbolizing purification and divine intervention.
Additionally, Mahashivratri commemorates the divine union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, culminating from Parvati’s arduous penance spanning over 108 lifetimes. Consequently, devotees celebrate this occasion with fervor and reverence, honoring both deities in tandem. The festival is regarded as highly auspicious, with devotees seeking blessings for happiness, prosperity, and the fulfillment of their desires through prayers to Lord Shiva on this sanctified day.
