Mahashivratri is one of the most significant Hindu festivals of the year, which is celebrated with great fervour in India. This grand night of Lord Shiva celebrates the eternal union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.

Observed on the Chaturdashi Tithi during Krishna Paksha in the month of Magha, Mahashivratri falls on 13th Feb this year and is even more auspicious. What makes Mahashivratri 2018 super auspicious is that the festival tithi will last for two days.

Mahashivratri Chaturdashi Tithi

Chaturdashi Tithi begins: 10:34 p.m. on 13th Feb
Chaturdashi Tithi ends: 12:46 a.m. on 15th Feb

This will bring good luck to all those devotees who are observing a fast. If you want to please Lord Shiva on this super auspicious Mahashivratri, here’s is what you can do.

Mahashivratri Vrat

On the day of Mahashivratri, most devotees observe a full-day fast to seek blessings of Lord Shiva. It is believed that observing this fast helps you overcome lust, anger and greed. During the fast you cannot consume the food made with rice, pulses or wheat. However, you may eat fruits and drink beverages. Some devotees choose to observe niraharvrat wherein they don’t eat or drink anything.

Mahashivratri Puja Vidhi

You should rise early in the morning and visit a Shiva temple. Worship Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati and offerwater, milk, curd, honey, bilva leaves and dhatura flowers to the shivling.

The auspicious timing for Shiva Puja is 7:30 a.m. to 3:20 p.m.

Shivling Abhishek

The ritual of Shivling Abhishek with water and rudraksha is considered auspicious. To seek Lord Shiva’s blessings for different aspects of life, you should perform Shivling Abhishek with different things.

  • To cure illnesses, perform Shivling Abhishek with kushodak.
  • To get a home or vehicle of your own, offer curd to the shivling.
  • Perform shivling abhishek with honey or ghee to increase wealth.
  • If you desire to have a son, offer milk to the shivling this Mahashivratri.
Panchamrit

One important part of Mahashivratri Puja is the panchamrit, which is later offered to devotees as prasad. Offering panchamritis considered highly auspicious and pleasing to deities. Panchamrit is prepared using five ingredients – milk, curd, ghee, honey and sugar, which makes it a healthy drink that is said to purify your body.

Mahashivratri is a great day for pleasing Lord Shiva. Follow the above guidelines while performing Mahashivratri Puja and Vrat to seek Lord Shiva’s blessings. Wish you an auspicious festival