Celebrating Mahashivratri 2023

Mahashivratri, also known as the Great Night of Lord Shiva, is a significant Hindu festival celebrated annually in honor of Lord Shiva. This year, Mahashivratri will be celebrated on March 2, 2023. It is a time for devotees to seek blessings from Lord Shiva and celebrate his supreme power.

Significance of Mahashivratri:

Mahashivratri is a celebration of Lord Shiva, one of the most revered deities in Hinduism. He is known as the destroyer of evil and the god of creation, preservation, and destruction. It is believed that on the night of Mahashivratri, Lord Shiva performed the Tandava dance, a powerful dance that represents creation, preservation, and destruction.

Rituals and Traditions:

Mahashivratri is celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion by Hindus around the world. Here are some of the rituals and traditions associated with this festival:

1. Fasting: Many devotees fast on Mahashivratri as a sign of devotion and to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva.
2. Puja: Devotees perform a special puja or worship of Lord Shiva on Mahashivratri. This involves bathing the Shiva Linga with milk, honey, and water, and offering flowers, fruits, and other offerings to Lord Shiva.
3. Night Vigil: Many devotees stay awake all night on Mahashivratri and chant prayers, sing bhajans, and recite mantras in honor of Lord Shiva.
4. Temple Visits: Devotees visit Shiva temples to offer their prayers and seek blessings from the deity. Many temples organize special events and puja rituals on this day.
5. Cultural Programs: Mahashivratri is also a time for cultural programs, dance performances, and music concerts that celebrate Lord Shiva's divine power and glory.

Importance of Mahashivratri:

Mahashivratri holds a great significance in Hinduism, as it is believed to be the night when Lord Shiva performed the Tandava dance, a powerful dance that represents creation, preservation, and destruction. It is also believed that on this night, Lord Shiva manifests himself in the form of a Linga, and offers blessings and guidance to his devotees.

Celebrations around the World:

Mahashivratri is celebrated with great fervor and enthusiasm in many parts of the world. In India, the festival is celebrated in various states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Maharashtra, and Karnataka, among others. It is also celebrated in countries with a significant Hindu population, such as Nepal, Mauritius, and Indonesia.

In some regions, Mahashivratri is celebrated as the wedding anniversary of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, and is considered to be a day of love and devotion.

Mahashivratri in 2023:

Mahashivratri 2023 falls on Feb 18, and is expected to be a grand celebration for Hindus around the world. With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, it is important to celebrate the festival in a safe and responsible manner. Many temples and organizations may have restrictions on gatherings and events, so it is advisable to check the guidelines and regulations before participating in any celebrations.

भगवान शिव की आरती

ओम जय शिव ओंकारा, स्वामी जय शिव ओंकारा।
ब्रह्मा, विष्णु, सदाशिव अर्द्धांगी धारा।।
ओम जय शिव ओंकारा।।
एकानन चतुरानन पञ्चानन राजे। हंसानन गरूड़ासन
वृषवाहन साजे।।
ओम जय शिव ओंकारा।।
दो भुज चार चतुर्भुज दसभुज अति सोहे।
त्रिगुण रूप निरखते त्रिभुवन जन मोहे।।
ओम जय शिव ओंकारा।।
अक्षमाला वनमाला मुण्डमालाधारी।
त्रिपुरारी कंसारी कर माला धारी।।
ओम जय शिव ओंकारा।।
श्वेताम्बर पीताम्बर बाघम्बर अंगे।
सनकादिक गरुड़ादिक भूतादिक संगे।।
ओम जय शिव ओंकारा।।
ब्रह्मा विष्णु सदाशिव जानत अविवेका।
मधु कैटव दोउ मारे, सुर भयहीन करे।।
ओम जय शिव ओंकारा।।
लक्ष्मी, सावित्री पार्वती संगा।
पार्वती अर्द्धांगी, शिवलहरी गंगा।।
ओम जय शिव ओंकारा।।
पर्वत सोहें पार्वतू, शंकर कैलासा।
भांग धतूर का भोजन, भस्मी में वासा।।
ओम जय शिव ओंकारा।।
जया में गंग बहत है, गल मुण्ड माला।
शेषनाग लिपटावत, ओढ़त मृगछाला।।
ओम जय शिव ओंकारा।।
काशी में विराजे विश्वनाथ, नन्दी ब्रह्मचारी।
नित उठ दर्शन पावत, महिमा अति भारी।।
ओम जय शिव ओंकारा।।
त्रिगुणस्वामी जी की आरति जो कोई नर गावे।
कहत शिवानन्द स्वामी मनवान्छित फल पावे।।
ओम जय शिव ओंकारा।। ओम जय शिव ओंकारा।।

Mahamrityunjay Mantra

ॐ त्र्यम्बकं यजामहे सुगन्धिं पुष्टिवर्धनम् ।
उर्वारुकमिव बन्धनान्मृत्योर्मुक्षीय माऽमृतात् ॥

Conclusion:

Mahashivratri is a time for devotees to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva and celebrate his supreme power. The festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion, with many rituals and traditions associated with it. As we celebrate Mahashivratri 2023, let us all come together to honor Lord Shiva and seek his blessings for a prosperous and peaceful life