Online Sambalpur Team Wishes All a Very Happy Mahashivratri 2024
Mahashivratri: A Sacred Celebration in Honor of Lord Shiva
This year, on March 8, 2024, Hindus around the world will celebrate the annual Mahashivratri festival, which honors Lord Shiva. This auspicious day has great significance since devotees from all over the world come to India to participate in the celebrations and visit various Shiva temples.
Devotees celebrate Mahashivratri by bringing water from various Ganga streams and presenting it to Lord Shiva. This year’s festival falls on the Chaturdashi Tithi of Krishna Paksha in Phalguna Month, and it is regarded as the most sacred day of the year to worship Lord Shiva.
Mahashivratri’s Significance
Mahashivratri’s significance lies in its association with Lord Shiva’s cosmic act of saving the universe from darkness and ignorance. According to Hindu scriptures, Lord Shiva drank the poison produced during the churning of the ocean to protect the earth. Observing strict fasts and offering prayers to Lord Shiva, devotees perform rituals such as bathing the god in milk, bhang, and curd to counteract the poisonous effects.
Another significant aspect of Mahashivratri is the divine marriage of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. According to legend, Goddess Parvati underwent 108 births before marrying Lord Shiva. Devotees celebrate this occasion in spectacular style, praying to both deities. Those who observe this sacred day believe they are blessed with happiness, prosperity, and the fulfillment of all their desires by Lord Shiva.
Mahashivratri remains a highly auspicious festival that brings believers together in great veneration for Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.