Mahashivratri 2024 is marked by various rituals in including fasting, mantra chanting, visiting temples, holy bath, and reciting holy books dedicated to Lord Shiva. There are three types of fasts that can be observed: Nirjala Vrat, Phalahara Vrat, and Samapta. Mahashivratri, the Great Night of Shiva, is a sacred Hindu festival celebrated annually in reverence to Lord Shiva.
Mahashivratri 2024: Fasting Rules
The Mahashivratri Fasting many individuals are planning to observe a fast, offer prayers to Lord Shiva, and his seek blessings.This festival dedicated to worship Lord Shiva, is approaching and people are getting ready to celebrate this auspicious Hindu festival. Mahashivratri is celebrated with great enthusiasm and grandeur across the country.
We will discuss the fasting rule for those who plan to observe a fast on Mahashivratri.
Mahashivratri 2024 Date and Time:
Mahashivratri 2024 festival will be celebrated on the Chaturdashi Tithi of Krishna Paksha in the month of Phalguna, specifically on 8 March 2024. The Chaturdashi Tithi will begin at 9:57 PM on March 8 and end at 6:17 PM on 9 March.
Mahashivratri 2024: How to Observe Fast
Three types of fasts can be observed :
To observe the Nirjala Fast, it is important to note that you should refrain from consumimg food or water throughtout the fasting period.The fast begins at 12:00 AM on 8 March and end at sunrise on 9 March 2024.
2.Phalahara Vrat:
During this type of fasting, devotees can consume tea,water,coffee,coconut water,lassi,fruit juice and dry fruits that are not salty.
3.Samapta:
In this type of fast, you can consume all the items mentioned in the phalahara fast, along with one meal consisting of sweets such as rice kheer,makhana kheer, jaggery kheer, soojhi halwa, or any other sweets.
Mahashivratri 2024:How to break Mahashivratri Fast?
On March 9, 2024, it is advised to take a holy bath and perform a puja by lighting a diya with desi ghee in front of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Offer homemade sweets such as kheer, halwa, or any other sweets, as well as fruits and bhog prasad, which can include sabzi poori and raita. First, offer the bhog prasad to the Lord and Goddess, and then you can consume it. Non-vegetarian food should not be consumed on this day.
Mahashivratri 2024
:The Significance of Mahashivratri:
Devotees believe that on this night, the divine energy is at its peak, making it an opportune time for spiritual growth, introspection, and transformation.Mahashivratri holds great significance in Hinduism as it marks the night of Lord Shiva’s cosmic dance, known as the Tandava.It was the day when Lord Shiva saved the whole universe from darkness and ingnorance and drank all the poison which was produced during the time of churning of the ocean.
Fasting Rules on Mahashivratri:
1.Mahashivratri day Avoid consuming salt.
2.Wake up early in the morning and take a holy bath before starting any puja rituals.
3.Clean the house, especially the puja room where Lord Shiva is placed.
4.Adopt a sattvik lifestyle and refrain from engaging in tamasik activities such as eating meat, onion, garlic, gambling, fighting, or abusing.
5.It is considered inauspicious to cut hair and nails on the day of Mahashivratri.
6.Engage in meditation during the Mahashivratri festival.
7.Chant mantras to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva.
8.Reading holy books such as Shiv Chalisa is considered rewarding for those observing the fast.
9.Perform Jalabhishekam or Rudrabhishekam to please the Lord.
10.Pregnant women, older people, or those who are unwell or unable to observe a fast are advised to consume only vegetarian food prepared with sendha namak or rock salt. After sunset on Mahashivratri, phalahara can be consumed.
Mahashivratri 2024: Do’s and Don’ts
Do’s:
– Donate food, clothes, or money to the less fortunate as an act of generosity and compassion.
– Begin the day with a prayer and setting a positive intention for the fast.
– Stay hydrated by drinking water and consuming hydrating fruits like watermelon and cucumber.
– Break the fast with simple, easily digestible foods like fruits, nuts, and yogurt.
– Engage in spiritual practices such as meditation, reading scriptures, and attending satsangs (spiritual gatherings).
Don’ts:
– Do not indulge in excessive physical exertion or activities that drain energy during the fasting day.
– Refrain from engaging in negative thoughts, speech, or actions that may disrupt the sanctity of the fast.
– Avoid consuming grains, pulses, and non-vegetarian food during the fasting period.
– Avoid watching or listening to material that distracts from spiritual focus and devotional practices.
– Resist the temptation to break the fast prematurely and maintain commitment to the observance until the designated time.
Conclusion:
Mahashivratri 2024 invites us to connect with the divine, fostering spiritual growth and self-discovery. As we partake in the rituals, fasting, and prayers, let us embrace the transformative power of this auspicious night. May the blessings of Lord Shiva guide us on a path of enlightenment, peace, and liberation. Happy Mahashivratri!
Mahashivratri 2024: FAQs
When is Mahashivratri in 2024?
Mahashivratri will be celebrated on the Chaturdashi Tithi of Krishna Paksha in the month of Falguna, specifically on March 8, 2024.
How to observe Mahashivratri fast?
Three types of fasts have been mentioned in the article.
By DNC