Maha Shivaratri is celebrated with the reverence of Lord Shiva and it falls on March 7th. The festival which is considered to be one of the most auspicious ones is celebrated with utmost devotion and religious fervour.
This festival holds a lot of importance for women as it is believed that worshipping Lord Shiva helps one find a good husband like Shiva. Devotees are seen fasting on this day and they worship Shiva Linga.
Shivaratri fast is considered to be the most important fast for the devotees of Lord Shiva. Shiva Purana goes on to say that if a devotee observes Shivaratri Vrata with sincerity, pure devotion and love he is blessed with the divine grace of Lord Shiva. Every year devotees observe Maha Shivaratri fast with devotion and sincerity. Though many go on a diet of fruits and milk, some do not consume even a drop of water all through the day and night of Shivaratri Festival.
Devotees keep on chanting ‘Om Namah Shivaya’ and ‘Har Har Mahadev’. and perform special ritual bath on Shiva lings with milk, honey and keep on chanting prayers, “O Lord ! I will bathe Thee with water, milk, etc. Do Thou kindly bathe me with the milk of wisdom. Do Thou kindly wash me of all my sins, so that the fire of worldliness which is scorching me may be put out once for all, so that I may be one with Thee-the One alone without a second.”
Here are the auspicious timings to celebrate Maha Shivaratri:
1. Nishita Kaal Puja Time = 24:24+ to 25:13 (0 Hours 48 Mins)
2. Parana Time = On 8th March 06:55 to 10:34
3. Ratri First Prahar Puja Time = 18:42 to 21:45
4. Ratri Second Prahar Puja Time = 21:45 to 24:49+
5. Ratri Third Prahar Puja Time = 24:49+ to 27:52+
6. Ratri Fourth Prahar Puja Time = 27:52+ to 30:55+
7. Chaturdashi Tithi begins from= 13:20 on 7 March, 2016
8. Chaturdashi Tithi ends on = 10:34 on 8 March, 2016
