Today, the festival of Mahashivratri is being celebrated with great pomp across the country. This day has special significance in Hindu religion. Lord Shiva and Mother Parvati got married on this day. There are 12 Shivratris in a year but Mahashivratri is considered the most special. On the day of Shivratri, people fast to please Lord Shiva. Some people eat fruits and some even observe this fast without water. On the day of Shivratri, there is a crowd of devotees in Shivalayas from early morning.
Lord Shiva is worshiped early in the morning on this day. If you are not able to do puja in the morning, you can do puja in the evening also. Lord Shiva is also worshiped in the evening. Let us know how to worship Lord Shiva in the evening?
One should take bath before sunset. After this, sprinkle some Ganga water on the body and then perform water anointment on Lord Shiva. After this, apply sandalwood paste, offer Belpatra, offer white flowers and Dhatura. After this read Chalisa of Lord Shiva and perform Aarti. Offer kheer, fruits and sweets to Lord Shiva. After that distribute the Prasad among the people around you.
According to the Hindu calendar, the festival of Mahashivratri is celebrated on the Chaturdashi date of Krishna Paksha of Phalgun month. On this day people wake up early in the morning and go to the temple. Water, milk, ghee, belpatra, datura, hemp, fruits, flowers and sweets are offered to Lord Shiva. Chant Om Namah Shivay of Lord Shiva, read Chalisa and perform Aarti.
Auspicious time of Mahashivratri – It will be from 6.11 am in the morning till 9.23 pm. You can worship anytime during this period.
