Mahashivratri 2023: History, Significance and Shubh Muhurat

“Om Tatpurushaya Vidmahe Mahadevaya Dhimahi Tanno Rudrah Prachodayat.”

Mahashivratri 2023 is just a few days away, and we thought what else could be better than starting our blog with a mantra that pleases Lord Shiva. InstaAstro has come up with the lowdown on the history, significance, and shubh muhurat of Mahashivratri 2023.

Mahashivratri celebration is considered the night of Lord Shiva and devotees perform a special pooja to seek his blessings on this auspicious day. Dubbed as the darkest night of the year, Mahashivratri symbolizes the victory of light over darkness.

Listen from our legends: Different stories behind Mahashivratri

For all these years, Lord Shiva devotees have celebrated Mahashivratri with true devotion. But have we ever thought about why do we celebrate Mahashivratri? Or what is the astrological significance of Mahashivratri? Scroll through to know meaning of Mahashivratri or it’s significance.

Story 1

The story of Samudra Manthan, recited by our grandmothers, always excited us as kids. Some legends believe that the origin of Mahashivratri is also related to the incident of Samudra Manthan. During Samudra Manthan, the poison Lord Shiva drank could destroy the whole world. This is why we celebrate this day as Mahashivratri.

Story 2

Now let us hop on to the next Mahashivratri 2023 story. Some legends claim Mahashivratri was when Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati married each other. Everyone knows that Goddess Parvati is the reincarnation of Sati. So Godess Parvati spent years in meditation to impress Lord Shiva. Finally, seeing her true devotion, Lord Shiva decided to marry her. And this is when Lord Shiva and Parvati became one on the day of Mahashivratri. In other words we can say that Mahashivratri is Lord Shiva marriage date.

Story 3

The origin of the following story dates back to Shiva Purana. Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Shiva are together known as ‘Trimurti’. Where Lord Brahma is seen as the creator of this world, Lord Vishnu is known as the preserver, and Lord Shiva is seen as the destroyer of this world. Let us tell you a fascinating story about Mahashivratri’s origin.

The question of superiority became the reason for a quarrel between Lord Vishnu and Brahma. The quarrel between the two got so intense that the other gods were left with no option but to seek the help of Lord Shiva. Only Lord Shiva can intervene and stop this fight between the two. Here is when Lord Shiva’s cunningness took on the front stage.

He starts a fire or a ray of light and says whoever will find the origin of this light will be declared superior. The hunger for recognition and superiority is what makes this story more fascinating. Both the lords take the form of a swan and boar to find the origin of the light. Despite looking for hours, Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma fail to locate the origin. Lord Vishnu surrenders himself and informs Lord Shiva that he cannot find the origin.

However, Lord Brahma did not do the same. The world’s creator, aka Lord Brahma, lies to Lord Shiva and declares that he found the origin of the fire or light. Little did he know that everything was a set-up by Lord Shiva, and no one could locate the end. The lie makes Lord Shiva angry, and he curses Lord Brahma that no one will worship him since he chose the path of the lie.

Shubh Muhurat for Mahashivratri 2023

Now that you know about Mahashivratri significance, let us talk about shubh muhurat. According to Hindu mythology and tradition, the concept of muhurat dates back to the time of creation. It is believed that Lord Brahma created five elements: air, water, fire, earth and ether. After that he created ‘muhurat’ for the smooth functioning of all these elements.

If you are looking for shubh muhurat for Mahashivratri 2023, stop looking. The astrologers at InstaAstro, will give you every detail about correct timings for Mahashivratri puja. Now, let us look at the shubh muhurat for Mahashivratri 2023 that will bring positive results in your life.

Also Read: Why Does Lord Krishna Wear A Peacock Feather?

First prahar puja muhurat: 06:13 PM to 9:24 PM

Second prahar puja muhurat: 09:24 PM to 12:35 AM

Third prahar puja muhurat: 12:35 AM to 03:46 AM

Fourth prahar puja muhurat: 03:46 AM to 6:56 AM

Mahashivratri paaran timings: 06:56 AM to 03:24 PM ( 19th February)

Pooja Vidhi for Mahashivratri 2023 Vrat

People fasting for Mahashivratri for the first time need to pay close attention. Read along to know the actual pooja vidhi of Mahashivratri vrat.

Dhyana

The first and foremost step during Mahashivratri pooja is ‘dhyana’. Here you need to meditate and set your intention for the pooja. Now is the time to remove unnecessary thoughts from your mind and concentrate on the pooja.

Girls Doing Dhyana

Asana

After you set the intention, now is the time to give Lord Shiva (idol) a proper place. Never place the idol of Lord Shiva directly on the ground. Instead, you can place the idol in your temple or can even place it on a small wooden table covered with a red cloth.

Padya

Before performing the pooja, one should never forget to wash the feet of Lord Shiva’s idol with gangajal.

Arghya

Arghya means to offer someone. Now, in this step, it is time to offer the Lord Shiva water or gangajal.

offer the Lord Shiva water or gangajal

Achaman

While doing Mahashivratri 2023 pooja, one should always offer water to god with a spoon called ‘achamani’. This is why this step is known as ‘achaman’ because we offer water to Lord Shiva. But, first, pour some water in your right hand to clean them. Then, once you have cleaned your hands again, pour some water into your right hand and drink it. Finally, again clean your hands by pouring water into your right hand.

Snana

The word ‘snana’ means to take a bath. Some people offer panchamrit or charanamrit in this process instead of gangajal. If you do not have panchamrit, offering water will also be suitable.

Vastra

Vastra means cloth in Sanskrit. If you do not have a clean piece of cloth to offer to Lord Shiva, kalava is the best next option.

Kalava

Yagnopaveeth

The next step involves offering the pieces of rice( known as akshat) to Lord Shiva.

Gandha

The word ‘gandha’ means fragrance or smell. So, after offering akshat to Lord Shiva, provide Chandan. If you do not have a fresh chandan paste, you can use sandalwood oil instead.

Pushpa

The word ‘Pushpa’ means flowers. Flowers hold major significance in the Hindu religion. Offering flowers means you are surrendering yourself to the deity.

Shivlinga

Dhoop Deepam Samarpayami

The next step is to offer an incense stick( known as dhoop) and oil or ghee lamp( known as deep).

Naivedhya

After offering the god dhoop, deep and Pushpa, now is the time to offer Lord Shiva bhog. The word ‘naivedhya’ means the prasad you offer to the deity. So in Mahashivratri pooja, don’t forget to offer betel leaves with supari (nuts) to Lord Shiva.

Aarti

After that, stand up and perform Lord Shiva aarti to complete the ritual of this pooja.

Aarti Thali

Is Mahashivratri 2023 on February 18 or 19?

We are just a few days away from Mahashivratri 2023, but still, the confusion lies in whether Mahashivratri is on February 18 or 19. So if you are looking for the actual date of Mahashivratri, stray no further. The confusion lies between the muhurat time of Mahashivratri because if you search on the InstaAstro Panchang the date of Mahashivratri, you will find two dates, 18 and 19 February. This is because Mahashivratri Parana commences at 06:56 in the morning of 18th February and will end at 15:24 on 19th February at noon.

Frequently Asked questions (FAQs)

1. Why do unmarried girls fast on Mahashivratri?

Unmarried girls fast on Mahashivratri and ask for a good and ideal husband like Lord Shiva. It is believed that Lord Shiva will bless unmarried girls if they fast on Mahashivratri with utmost devotion.

2. Why Shivratri is celebrated twice a year?

There are two types of Shivratri. One that we observe on the fourteenth day of every month and the one we celebrate only once a year in February or March.

3. What is the importance of Mahashivratri for women?

Mahashivratri vrat holds great significance for married as well as unmarried women. On this auspicious occasion, unmarried girls worship Lord Shiva and ask for a perfect and ideal husband. At the same time, married women worship Lord Parvati (wife of Lord Shiva). This is done to bestow upon her blessings for a happy and harmonious married life.

4. Which colour to wear on Mahashivratri?

In Hindu mythology, colours such as red, yellow, and orange are believed to be auspicious while performing pooja. However, devotees can wear any colour according to their choice on Mahashivratri except black and blue. This is because colours like black and blue are said to attract dark and negative energies.

5. What are the rules of Mahashivratri 2023?

There are several rules which a devotee should follow while performing Mahashivratri pooja. Some of the rules of Mahashivratri are: avoid consuming food items made of rice, flour or wheat. Or wearing clean and washed clothes on the day of Mahashivratri after taking a bath in the morning.

6. What is the difference between Shivratri and Mahashivratri?

Some people tend to think that Shivratri and Mahashivratri are the same. But there is a small yet significant difference between the two. The only difference between the two is that Shivratri occurs once a month. On the other hand, Mahashivratri is observed only once a year which is in February or March.

Also Read: Is Ravana The Father Of Sita?

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