Maha Shivratri 2021 Date: Shivratri this year is on Thurdsay, March 11
Maha Shivratri or the 'Great Night of Lord Shiva' is one of the most significant festivals for Hindus across the world. On Shivratri, devotees of Lord Shiva seek his blessings. People observe stringent fast and often stay up all night singing bhajans dedicated to Shiva and chanting prayers. On Shivratri, devotees take a holy dip in the Ganga or any river in the vicinity and Shiva temples across the country see thousands of devotees with milk, fruits and other offerings for Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva is known by several names. Some of them are Mahadeva, Pashupati, Bhairava, Vishwanath, Bhole Nath, Shambhu and Shankar.
Maha Shivratri 2021 Date and time
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
The significant Chaturdashi tithi or time begins at 2:39 PM on March 11 and ends at 3:02 PM on March 12.
Maha Shivratri 2021: Here are the key mantras to know
Shiva Moola Mantra:
Om Namah Shivaya
Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra:
Om Tryambakam Yajamahe Sugandhim Pushti-Vardhanam
Urvarukamiva Bandhanan Mrityormukshiya Mamritat॥
Rudra Gayatri Mantra:
Om Tatpurushaya Vidmahe Mahadevaya Dhimahi
Tanno Rudrah Prachodayat
(Source: drikpanchang.com)
Lord Shiva is the 'Supreme Being' and according to Hindu mythology, he is the 'destroyer' among the Trimurti, which includes Brahma, Vishnu and Maheshwara. Shiva is believed to be the god of the Yogis. He is also the cosmic dancer or Nataraja, the 'Lord of Dancers'.