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Maha Shivaratri dedicated to Lord Shiva is one of the most significant Hindu festivals and is celebrated by his devotees across the globe. The auspicious day is of special significance because it marks his martial union with Goddess Parvati , who is also referred to as Shakti.
Meaning Shiva’s night, Maha Shivaratri falls on Chaturdashi Tithi during Krishna Paksha in month of Magha in the South Indian calendar or the Amavasyant Hindu lunar calendar. However according to North Indian calendar or the Poornimant lunar calendar, Maha Shivaratri is the Masik(monthly) Shivaratri in month of Phalguna. If we were to go by the Gregorian calendar, the day falls on February 13 and extends until February 14.
Maha Shivaratri Puja Vidhi
Take bath before doing Puja or visiting a temple.
Purify home and puja area by sprinkling Gangajal.
Light a brass or an earthen lamp.
Sit down with your eyes closed and invite Lord Shiva to accept your offerings. (You or your family priest can do the Pran Pratishthan by invoking the God in your idol).
Now, do abhishek with water on Shiv Linga or Shiva’s Moorti. Chant ‘OM’ or ‘OM Namah Shivaya’ while doing the Abhishek.
Then do Abhishek with Milk, Dahi, followed by Honey, Ghee (clarified butter) and water again.
Use a fresh piece of cloth to gently wipe the Shiv Linga or Idol.
Use the sacred ash (Vibhuti) or bhasm and make a Tripundra on the Lord’s Forehead or on the Shiv Linga. (The Tripundra is the three famous horizontal mark).
Put a Chandan tika in the centre of the horizontal line in the middle. And then add kumkum teeka. Add Bel or Vilva leaves and flowers.
Light incense sticks and dhoop.
Then offer fruits and dry fruits to the God.
Then chant the Shiva Chalisa or the 108 names of Lord Shiva or any simple Shiva Mantra.
Meditate for a while.
Conclude the Puja by singing the Shiva Aarti.
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