Maha Shivratri 2023 is an auspicious and widely celebrated Hindu festival in India. It is popularly known as the “greatest night of Lord Shiva” and is regarded as the most auspicious festival for Lord Shiva. It is believed that on the day of Maha Shivratri, Lord Shiva performed the “Tandava” (a cosmic dance), and this festival is celebrated as a commemoration of that event.
This day falls on Krishna Paksha Chaturdashi in the month of Falgun. On Maha Shivratri devotees keep a day-long fast and do night puja at Lord Shiva temple where a special ritual of Rudrabhisheka is performed, where devotees bathe the Shiv ling with milk and offer sweets, and seek his blessings.
When is Maha Shivratri 2023?
This year Maha Shivaratri will be celebrated on Saturday, 18 February 2023.
Maha Shivratri 2023: Shubh Muhurat
Maha Shivaratri on Saturday, 18 February 2023.
Nishita Kaal Puja Time – 12:09 AM to 01:00 AM, Feb 19
Duration – 00 Hours 51 Mins
On 19th Feb, Shivaratri Parana Time – 06:56 AM to 03:24 PM
Ratri First Prahar Puja Time – 06:13 PM to 09:24 PM
Ratri Second Prahar Puja Time – 09:24 PM to 12:35 AM, Feb 19
Ratri Third Prahar Puja Time – 12:35 AM to 03:46 AM, Feb 19
Ratri Fourth Prahar Puja Time – 03:46 AM to 06:56 AM, Feb 19
Chaturdashi Tithi Begins – 08:02 PM on Feb 18, 2023
Chaturdashi Tithi Ends – 04:18 PM on Feb 19, 2023
(as per drikpanchang.com)
Maha Shivratri 2023: Significance
According to Hindu beliefs, Maha Shivratri marks the reunion of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. It is also believed that on this day Lord Shiva swallowed the poison, which came out of Samundra Manthan. He preserved the poison in his throat, and due to this, his throat turned blue and he is known as Neelkantha since then.
