Mahashivratri: What Makes It Special? What Is Its Shubh Muhurat?

Mahashivratri (Maha shivratri) is the ultimate festival to please Lord Shiva. The devotees of Lord Shiva celebrate the festival of Mahashivaratri with great fanfare. The preparations for this Mahashivratri, which is due on March 4, have already begun in temples across India.

This time Mahashivratri is falling on a Monday, due to which it is considered to be even more special. Monday is considered as Lord Shiva's day because it is related to the Moon. Shiva bears the crescent of moon on his head and hence he is also called Somnath. The waxing and waning phases of the moon symbolise the cycle of creation and end. Since Lord Shiva is beyond the concept of time, he wears the moon as one of his ornaments.

Every month Shivratri falls on the fourteenth day of Krishna Paksha, but Shivratri, which falls on the day of Krishna Chaturdasi of the Falgun month, is called Mahashivaratri. Mahashivratri is considered to be the most important among the 12 Shivaratri to be performed in the year.

Significance Of Mahashivratri

As per Hindu mythology, it is believed that the world began from the day of Mahashivratri. Some people also believe that on this day Lord Shiva's marriage took place with Parvati. For this reason, preparations for the marriage of Lord Shiva and Parvati on the day of Mahashivaratri begin three to four days in advance at many places in India.

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Auspicious Time For Mahashivratri And Important Rituals

The auspicious time or shubh muhurat of Mahashivratri falling on 4th March is beginning from 04:28pm in the evening and ending on 07:07 am on the morning of 5th March. Do not forget to worship Shiva at this auspicious time. It is said that Lord Shiva is pleased with meditation of Shiva on the day of Mahashivaratri during the night. On this auspicious occasion, do not forget to offer water, bel leaves and sandalwood to Lord Shiva. Also, keep chanting ‘Om Namah Shivaay’ during the ritual.

Want to know which Shiva mantras to chant to make your life better or which Shiva temples you should visit at least once in your lifetime? Then keep reading Her Zindagi.