Shivaratri 2021: Lord Shiva or the 'supreme one' is worshipped on Maha Shivratri
Maha Shivratri is on Thursday. Devotees of Lord Shiva across the world celebrate Maha Shivratri. The 'Great Night of Lord Shiva' is one of the most important festivals for Hindus. Maha Shivratri is observed on the 'Chaturdashi Krishna Paksha' or 14th day of the New Moon phase in the month of 'Phalguna' according to the Hindu calendar. On Shivratri, devotees bathe in the Ganga or other rivers nearby and visit Shiva temples with milk, fruits and other offerings for the god. Observing a strict fast is also a significant part of the rituals of Shivratri.
Maha Shivratri 2021 Date and time in India
Shivratri is on Thursday, March 11
Nishita Kaal (night) Puja Time is from 12:06 AM to 12:55 AM on March 12
Shivaratri Parana Time is from 6:34 AM to 3:02 PM on March 12
Shivratri first prahar puja time is from 6:27 PM to 9:29 PM on March 12
Shivratri second prahar puja time is from 9:29 PM to 12:31 AM on March 12
Shivratri third prahar puja time is from 12:31 AM to 03:32 AM on March 12
Shivratri fourth prahar puja time is from 3:32 AM to 06:34 AM on March 12
Chaturdashi tithi or time begins at 2:39 PM on March 11 and ends at 3:02 PM on March 12.
Maha Shivratri Puja Vidhi
Fasting on Maha Shivratri is a very old tradition. Devotees take a holy dip in the river on Shivratri and visit a nearby Shiva temple for darshan and puja. The next day, an abhishek (bathing Shiva idols) is performed in temples. The abhishek is performed using different thimgs like milk, rose water, sandalwood paste, yogurt, honey, ghee, sugar and water. Devotees also pour a mix of all these items on the Shivling while chanting mantras.
Various items like the bilipatra and dhatura flowers and several kinds of fruits are offered. Devotees fast for the entire day; some do eat fruits and drink coconut water. Some devotees do nirjala upvaas or fast without even drinking water.
Puja for Maha Shivratri is done in all the four prahars through the night. Prahar refers to the different times of the day. In India, a day is divided into ashta prahar or eight three-hour periods.