Mahashivratri 2021 - Date, Reason, Celebration, Significance, And Pooja Vidhi

One of the most important Hindu festivals - Mahashivratri 2021, is on March 11th. The day is considered to be very auspicious and it is said that all the wishes come true if you pray to the Lord wholeheartedly.

The day comes with a number of mythological stories. While some Puranas suggest that on this day, Lord Shiva drank poison to save the earth which made his throat blue, others believe that this day marks the wedding of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. On this day, married and unmarried women observe fast for a happy married life and please Lord Shiva by offering milk, fruits, and other things.

Maha Shivratri 2021 Date

This year, Maha Shivratri will be celebrated on March 11.

Maha Shivratri Puja Muhurat

The Chaturdashi tithi begins at 02.39 pm on March 11 and ends at 03.02 pm on March 12.

Significance of Mahashivratri

Maha Shivratri, as the name suggests, is a day dedicated to Lord Shiva, the God of Destruction, and one who is the third in the Hindu triumvirate, after Lord Brahma — the God of Creation, and Lord Vishnu — the God of Preservation.

Maha Shivratri Celebration

Shivaratri, it is said, is the convergence of Shiva and Shakti — the masculine and feminine energies which balance the world. According to the Drik Panchang, while in the south, Chaturdashi Tithi during Krishna Paksha in the month of Magha, is known as ‘Maha Shivaratri’, as per the North Indian calendar, Masik Shivaratri in the month of Phalguna is known as Maha Shivaratri. The festival, however, is celebrated on the same day.

Shivratri Fast

The Drik Panchang mentions that a day prior to the devotees eat only one time. And on the day — after finishing morning rituals — they pledge to observe a full-day fast, meaning they cannot eat anything until the next day. Fasting is done not only to seek the blessings of the Lord but also for self-determination.

Shivratri Pooja Vidhi

On the day of Shivaratri, devotees must take a second bath in the evening, before doing the puja. Shiva puja should be done at night, and devotees can break the fast the following day, after bathing. Additionally, they must break it between sunrise and before the end of Chaturdashi tithi, as per Drik Panchang.

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