Maha Shivratri 2023: Har, Har Mahadev! India Celebrates Auspicious Festival, Prays to Lord Shiva

Maha Shivratri 2023: Punjab CM Extends Wishes

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Saturday offered prayers at Shati Peethi Sri Devi Talab and Maha Lakshmi Mandirs in Jalandhar on the festival of Mahashivratri.

According to an official release, Mann said Mahashivratri inspires people to strive towards the pursuit of truth that leads to the ultimate consciousness epitomised by Lord Shiva. The festival lays stress on the values of piety, devotion, mutual love and harmony, known as the cornerstones of the great Indian civilization.

Maha Shivratri 2023: Andhra, Telangana CMs Extend Greetings

The Chief Ministers of both the Telugu states greeted people on the occasion of Maha Shivratri. Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao extended greetings to the people of Telangana State and the country. CM KCR appealed to people to celebrate the Shivratri festival with devotion and fervour. He prayed that Lord Shiva's compassion be upon all the people. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy also greeted people on the occasion of Maha Shivratri. Lord Shiva's day is auspicious. May all of us receive the blessings of Goddess Parvati, he said.

Maha Shivratri 2023: Nepal's Pashupatinath Temple Sees Huge Crowds

Falgun Krishna Chaturdashi - the fourth day of the waning moon in the month of Falgun is observed as Maha Shivratri as per the lunar calendar. Not just in India, Nepal is seeing large-scale celebrations with serpentine lines extending far and wide with devotees waiting for their turn to enter the main temple complex of the Pashupatinath Temple.

Maha Shivratri 2023: Kerala Temples see Huge Rush

Maha Shivratri festival is being celebrated with traditional zeal and fervour in Kerala today as a large number of devotees thronged Hindu temples, dedicated to Lord Shiva, to take part in special rituals from early morning. The Sreekandeswaram Mahadeva Temple in Thiruvananthapuram, Vadakkunnathan temple in Thrissur and Maha Deva temple in Vaikom were among the major shrines in the state which witnessed heavy rush since early morning.

Maha Shivratri 2023: PM Modi, Amit Shah Extend Wishes 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday greeted people on the occasion of Maha Shivratri. "Greetings to everyone on the very special occasion of Maha Shivratri. Har har Mahadev!", PM Modi tweeted. Shah tweeted, "Best wishes of Mahashivratri to all countrymen. May Devadhidev Mahadev shower his blessings on everyone. Om Namah Shivay!"

Maha Shivratri 2023: 12 Jyotirlingas of India 

A Jyotirlinga or Jyotirlingam is a devotional representation of the Hindu god Shiva. While the Shiva Puarana mentions 64 original jyotirlinga shrines in India, 12 auspicious ones are known today.The 12 Jyotirlingas in India are Somnath, Nageshwar, Bhimashankar, Trimbakeshwar, Grishneshwar, Vaidyanath, Mahakaleshwar, Omkareshwar, Kashi Vishwanath, Kedarnath, Rameshwaram, and Mallikarjuna

Maha Shivratri 2023: 6 Bollywood Songs Glorifying Lord Shiva

• Deva Deva, Brahmastra (2022)
• Namo Namo, Kedarnath (2018)
• Bolo Har Har Har, Shivaay (2016)
• Kaun Hain Voh, Baahubali – The Beginning (2015)
• Jai Jai Shiv Shankar, Aap Ki Kasam (1974)
• O Shivji Bihane Chale, Munimji (1955)

On Maha Shivratri 2023, Madhya Pradesh Gets a Special Gift

MP CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan thanked PM Modi and said that MP has got a gift on Mahashivratri. 12 more cheetahs have arrived from Namibia to the state and will be rehabilitated in Kuno National Park and the total number will become 20.

Maha Shivratri 2023: Char Dham Temples to Welcome Back Devotees from April-end

Badrinath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri are scheduled to open on April 27 and April 22. The Char Dham temples, including Kedarnath, are closed every year in October-November due to extreme cold conditions.

Maha Shivratri Celebrations at Omkareshwar Temple, Ukhimath; Announcements made on Kedarnath

The gates of the Himalayan temple of Kedarnath will be thrown open to devotees at 6.20 am on April 25, Badrinath-Kedarnath Mandir Samiti sources said. The timing and date for the reopening of the temple gates were announced at a ceremony at the Omkareshwar temple in Ukhimath on Saturday on the auspicious occasion of Mahashivaratri. The ceremony was attended by BKTC officials, tirth purohits and officials of the district administration. The idol of lord Shiva is brought down every year after the closure of Kedarnath to the Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath where it is worshipped during winter.
 

Maha Shivratri 2023: Wishes to Share With Your Loved Ones

- On Maha Shivratri, may Lord Shiva bestow his choicest blessings and good health on you and your family. Wishing you a very happy Maha Shivratri!

-May the divine power of Lord Shiva shower upon you and your family on this auspicious occasion of Mahashivratri!

- Lord Shiva will always dispel darkness for us. Have faith. Happy Maha Shivratri.

To check out more wishes, click HERE

Big B's Maha Shivratri Wish

Superstar Amitabh Bachchan took to Twitter to wish his followers on this auspicious occasion with a 'Har Har Mahadev'.

T 4561 - हर हर महादेव !

— Amitabh Bachchan (@SrBachchan) February 18, 2023

 5 Famous Shiva Temples in India

Here are 5 temples of Lord Shiva which are among the most famous

- Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Uttar Pradesh

- Mahakaleshwar, Madhya Pradesh

- Brihadeeswarar Temple, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu

- Lingaraj Temple, Odisha

- Kedarnath Temple, Uttarakhand

To know about these temples and today's Maha Shivratri puja timings, click HERE.

Maha Shivaratri: Ajay Devgn's Special Sneek Peak From his Film, Actor Seen Perfoming Ganga Aarti

Actor Ajay Devgn treated fans to a "Maha Aarti" sequences from his upcoming directorial 'Bholaa'. Ajay took to Instagram and shared a couple of pictures of him performing the aarti at the Ganga ghat in Benaras. In one of the images, Ajay is seen standing in front of the Shivling, pouring water and seeking blessings of Lord Shiva along with priests doing Ganga aarti. In the caption, Ajay described how he felt "spiritual energy" while performing the aarti. Check out his Instagram post below:

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by Ajay Devgn (@ajaydevgn)

Maha Shivratri 2023: Date and Shubh Muhurat

Maha Shivaratri is on Saturday, February 18, 2023

Nishita Kaal Puja Time: 12:09 am to 1 am, February 19
On 19th February, Shivaratri Parana Time: 6:56 am to 3:24 pm

Ratri First Prahar Puja Time: 6:13 pm to 9:24 pm
Ratri Second Prahar Puja Time - 9:24 pm to 12:35 am, February 19
Ratri Third Prahar Puja Time - 12:35 am to 3:46 am, February 19
Ratri Fourth Prahar Puja Time - 3:46 am to 6:56 am, February 19

Chaturdashi Tithi Begins - 8:02 pm on February 18, 2023
Chaturdashi Tithi Ends - 4:18 pm on February 19, 2023

(Source: Drik Panchang)

Telangana Celebrates Maha Shivratri 2023

Sri Raja Rajeswara Temple at Vemulawada in Rajanna Sircilla district, Sri Ramalingeswara Swamy temple in Medchal Malkajgiri district, Someswara Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy temple in Jangaon district are some of the big temples in the state that saw devotees flocking on the occasion of Maha Shivratr, including several state ministers.

Vivek Agnihotri's Special Wishes on Maha Shivratri

Vivek Agnihotri shared his wishes on Twitter:

GM.

There is nothing created. And, nothing destroyed. Experience of that state - where all exists - is SHIVA.

Shiva is Shakti. Shakti is Shiva. Everything is Nothing. Nothing is Everything.

Happy Maha Shivratri to all. pic.twitter.com/dMw8WebyuQ

— Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri (@vivekagnihotri) February 18, 2023

Maha Shivratri Wishes from Cricketer Shikhar Dhawan

Celebrities from different fields are extending their wishes on Maha Shivratri. Shikhar Dhawan took to Twitter and wrote, "May Lord Shiva shower his choicest blessings on you and your family. May you be blessed with peace and prosperity. Happy Maha Shivratri!"

Maha Shivratri 2023: Kedarnath Temple to Open Doors to Visitors from April 25

Doors of the Kedarnath Temple to be open on April 25, ANI quoted Ajendra Ajay, Chairman, Kedarnath Temple Committee said on the occasion of Maha Shivratri.

Maha Shivratri 2023: Sadhguru's Message

On Maha Shivratri, Sadhguru wished his followers with a powerful message on social media. He tweeted, "On this Mahashivratri night, it is my wish and my blessing that you not only stay awake but make it a night of Awakening. Light up this Night."
 

Maha Shivratri: Shiva-Shakti Convergence on Auspicious Day

Maha Shivratri is one of the most auspicious Hindu festivals which is celebrated across India. Chants of 'Har Har Mahadev' are heard in all parts of the country on this day. The grand festival marks the convergence of the forces of Shiva and Shakti. The duo of Shiva and Shakti is considered to be the epitome of love, power, and togetherness.

Happy Maha Shivratri: A Tribute in Sand Art 

Sand Artist Sudarsan Pattnaik from Odisha paid homage to Lord Shiva through a splendid artwork that is being displayed at the Bhubaneswar airport.

On this auspicious occasion of #MahaShivratri, may Lord Shiva's blessings shower to all. My SandArt at Bhubaneswar airport.#HappyMahaShivratri  pic.twitter.com/XkCbqNik3t

— Sudarsan Pattnaik (@sudarsansand) February 18, 2023

Devotees Pray in Jammu on Maha Shivratri

Worshippers throng a Jammu temple, check below:

Jammu and Kashmir | Devotees offer prayers in Jammu on the occasion of #Mahashivratri pic.twitter.com/GWEhH9Xgio

— ANI (@ANI) February 18, 2023

Maha Shivratri: UP CM Yogi Adityanath Prays at Gorakhnath Temple

On the occasion of Maha Shivratri, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath offered prayers at Gorakhnath Temple. 

Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath offers prayers at Gorakhnath Temple on the occasion of #Mahashivratri pic.twitter.com/yJeQanoTwB

— ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) February 18, 2023

Maha Shivratri 2023: Celebrate According to Your Zodiac Sign

Expert astrologer Pandit Jagannath Guruji shares that the 12 signs of zodiacs - Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces - can incorporate some special something in their celebrations. To read in detail about how you should go about celebrating Shivratri as per your zodiac, click HERE. 

Maha Shivratri 2023: A Giant Shivaling in Gujarat, 31 lakh Rudrakshas used

Amid grand celebrations across the country, Gujarat's Dharampur took the Maha Shivratri celebration to next level by making a giant Shivaling, using around 31 lakh Rudrakshas. Check the video below:

#WATCH | A 31.5 feet tall 'Rudraksha Shivling' has been made in Gujarat's Dharampur by using around 31 lakhs Rudrakshas.#MahaShivaratri pic.twitter.com/60W6416SPi

— ANI (@ANI) February 18, 2023

Devotees Throng Temples Across India

From Patna to Mumbai, hundreds of devotees have been queuing at temples to pray before Lord Shiva.

Bihar | Devotees throng Shiv Mandir in Patna to offer prayers on the occasion of #MahaShivaratri pic.twitter.com/eAiTikHKK5

— ANI (@ANI) February 18, 2023

Maharashtra | Devotees throng Babulnath Temple in Mumbai to offer prayers on the occasion of #MahaShivaratri pic.twitter.com/8dnRR0u8bb

— ANI (@ANI) February 18, 2023

Maha Shivratri 2023: Bhubaneswar's Lingaraj Temple decked up

A day ahead of Maha Shivratri, 1,100-year-old Shree Lingaraj Temple in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, marked the celebrations with full fervour as it was decorated with luminous and decorative lights.

Maha Shivaratri 2023: Bollywood Actress Kangana Ranaut performs 'abhishek' 

MahaShivratri ki hardik shubhkamnaen #महाशिवरात्रि #MahaShivaratri pic.twitter.com/ZxzD36Q0HS

— Kangana Ranaut (@KanganaTeam) February 18, 2023

Maha Shivratri 2023: Date of opening of doors of Kedarnath temple to be announced today

Preparations have been completed at the Shri Omkareshwar Temple complex in Ukhimath to fix the opening date of the kapat (doors) of Shri Kedarnath Dham, one of the 12 Jyotirlingas. The date of opening of the doors will be decided on the auspicious occasion of Mahashivaratri on Saturday (February 18).

Maha Shivratri 2023: Food you can Have During Fast

If you are unable to observe 'nirjala vrat', have these 5 items during the fast:
- Rose Thandai
- Potaties
- Milk
- Sabudana
- Fruits, dry fruits
 

Maha Shivratri 2023:  An Auspicious Occasion

Out of the 12 Shivratris observed in any given year, Maha Shivratri is considered especially auspicious, as it is supposed to be the night of convergence of Shiva and Shakti, which in essence means the male and feminine energies that keep the world in balance. Shiva and Shakti are revered as the embodiment of love, power, and oneness.
 

Maha Shivratri 2023: Wishes for Your Loved Ones

- May Lord Shiva bless you with health, wealth, and prosperity. Wishing you a very Happy Maha Shivratri
- May the divine power of Lord Shiva shower upon you and your family on this auspicious occasion of Mahashivratri!
- Lord Shiva will always dispel darkness for us. Have faith. Happy Maha Shivratri.
To read the complete list, click HERE.

Maha Shivratri 2023: Celebrations across India

Every state in the nation, including Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Bihar, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh or Telangana, celebrate Maha Shivratri.
 

Mahashivratri 2023: Legend behind the festival

As per one legend, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati tied the knot on this day. Purusha (mindfulness) is embodied by Lord Shiva, whilst Prakriti (nature) is embodied by Maa Parvati. With the union of both consciousness and energy, it facilitates creation.

Maha Shivratri 2023: 21 lakh lamps to be lit in Ujjain

In a grand celebration, as many as 21 lakh earthen lamps will be lit on various ghats of the Shipra river in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh.
 

Maha Shivratri 2023: Nepal's Pashupatinath Temple Welcomes Devotees

This year, about 2,500 sadhus from within Nepal, as well as India, are being welcomed by the Pashupati Area Development Trust. The Development Trust has designated the Annapurna Bhandar for the Naga Baba, who on Thursday entered the main temple complex. Alike Annapurna Bhandar, saints and sadhus are designated to Swargadwari Ashram, Nirmala Akhada, and Parmananda Ashram that lies in Pashupatinath Temple premises.
 

(ANI inputs)

Dos and Don'ts for Maha Shivratri 2023

Gurudev Shrie Kashyap, Chairman/Founder of All India Institute of Occult Science and True Vastu, shares:

- On the day of the fast, rise early around Brahma Muhurta, or sunrise.
- On the day of the fast, one should shower and dress in clean, white clothing if possible, chanting "Om Namah Shivay".
- Rice, wheat, and pulses are prohibited during the fast, so they should not be eaten.
- Non-vegetarian foods, garlic, and onions should be strictly avoided.

To read full details, click HERE

Maha Shivratri 2023: Puja Samagri

As you get ready to worship Lord Shiva, here is a list of essential items for the puja:

Vermilion
Milk, water and bel leaves
Fruits in prasad
Betel leaves
Lamp
Incense sticks
Vibhuti - sacred ash made using dried cow dung, also called Bhasm
Flowers  
Rose water
Yoghurt, ghee, and honey 
Sugar
Sandalwood
Ganga Jal

Maha Shivratri 2023: Date and Time

Maha Shivaratri Date: Saturday, February 18, 2023

Nishita Kaal Puja Time: 12:09 am to 1 am, February 19

Ratri First Prahar Puja Time: 6:13 pm to 9:24 pm
Ratri Second Prahar Puja Time - 9:24 pm to 12:35 am, February 19
Ratri Third Prahar Puja Time - 12:35 am to 3:46 am, February 19
Ratri Fourth Prahar Puja Time - 3:46 am to 6:56 am, February 19

Chaturdashi Tithi Begins - 8:02 pm on February 18, 2023
Chaturdashi Tithi Ends - 4:18 pm on February 19, 2023

(Source: Drik Panchang)