New Delhi:
On the occasion of Maha Shivratri which is being celebrated across the country today in reverence of Lord Shiva, who according to one of the mythological stories, married Goddess Parvati on this day. Maha Shivratri is a great festival of convergence of Lord Shiva and Shakti.
According to Hindu calender and mythology the chaturdashi tithi during Krishna Paksha in month of Magha is known as Maha Shivaratri. Also according to the North Indian calendar Masik Shivaratri in month of Phalguna is known as Maha Shivaratri.
In both the calenders the only thing that matters or differs in other word is naming convention of lunar month. However Maha Shivaratri is celebrated on same day by both North Indians and South Indians.
Also Read: Maha Shivratri 2017: Know why is Lord Shiva known as 'Neelkanth' and the story behind it
Nishita Kaal Puja Time for Maha Shivratri 2017 = 24:08 to 24:59
On 25th, Maha Shivratri 2017 Parana Time = 06:54 to 15:24
Ratri First Prahar Puja Time = 18:13 to 21:23
Ratri Second Prahar Puja Time = 21:23 to 24:33
Ratri Third Prahar Puja Time = 24:33 to 27:44
Ratri Fourth Prahar Puja Time = 27:44 to 30:54
Also Read: Maha Shivratri 2017: 5 Bollywood songs to go 'Bam Bhole Bam Bhole Bam Bam'
Maha Shivratri 2017 Tithi:
Chaturdashi Tithi Begins = 21:38 on 24/Feb/2017
Chaturdashi Tithi Ends = 21:20 on 25/Feb/2017
Mantra for Maha Shivratri 2017:
Jai Shiv Onkara Har Shiv Onkara,
Brahma Vishnu Sadashiv Arddhagni Dhara.
Om hara hara Mahaadevaa.
Ekanan Chaturanan Panchanan Rajai,
Hansanan Garudasan Vrishvahan Sajai.Om hara hara Mahaadevaa.
Do Bhuj Char Chaturbhuj Das Bhuj Te Sohai,
Tinon Roop Nirakhta Tribhuvan Jan Mohai.
Om hara hara Mahaadevaa.
Akshaymala Vanmala Mundmala Dhari,
Chadan Mrigmad Sohai Bhale Shashi Dhari.
Om hara hara Mahaadevaa.
Shvetambar Pitambar Baghambar Ange,
Sankadik Brahmadik Bhootadik Sange.
Om hara hara Mahaadevaa.
What to do on Maha Shivratri 2017:
Devotees must take bath early morning before doing Shiva Puja or visiting temple. Also, the second bath must be taken in the evening as Shiva Puja should be done during night and devotees can break the fast only on the next day after taking bath.
Devotees can break the fast between sunrise and befor Chaturdashi Tithi ends inorder to get maximum benefit of the Vrat (fast). It is also believed that both Shiva Puja and Paran (breaking the fast should be done within Chaturdashi Tith).
Also Read: Video: NASA scientists discovers 7 rocky Earth-size planets around single star
Why is Maha Shivratri celebrated?
There are various mythological stories behind the celebration of Shivratri. One story says that on Maha SHivratri at midnight, the formless God appeared in the form of "Lingodbhav Moorti". This is believed to be the reason for devotees to stay awake at night and offer prayers to the God.
According to another story, Lord Shiva married Goddess Parvati this day, which marks the union of Shiva and Shakti that are the two greatest power of the universe.
Unmarried women pray this day to get a husband like Lord Shiva and devotees worship him for a peaceful and happy life.
