1. India is a land with diverse beliefs, traditions and cultures. There are different understandings and explanations about various religious events which we follow and celebrate. One such belief relates to the importance, significance and meaning behind celebrating Maha Shivratri.

2. As per Indian Mythology, in the midnight of Maha Shivaratri, Lord Shiva appeared in the form of Linga and Shiva Linga was worshipped by Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma for the first time. Hence Maha Shivaratri is even known to be the birthday of Lord Shiva and devotees worship Shiva Linga during Shivaratri. 

3. According to the South Indian Calendar, Mahashivratri falls on the Chaturdashi Tithi during Krishna Paksha in the month of Magha. On the contrary, if we talk about the North Indian calendar, the Masik Shivratri which falls in the Phalguna month is celebrated an Maha Shivratri. However, it is the naming convention of the lunar month which differs in both calendars. Despite this difference, both North Indians and South Indians celebrate Mahashivratri on the same day with great pomp and grandeur. 

4. In 2019, Maha Shivratri would fall on the 4th of March, which happens to be a Monday. I am a staunch Shiva- Bhakt and I advice all my followers to eat just once on the day before Mahashivratri, i.e on Trayodashi.  On the D-Day disciples should offer Sankalp to the Lord in the morning after taking a bath and hold a full day fast and break it only on the following day. Remember to ask the Lord to make you self-determined throughout the period of the and ask for the blessings of the Almighty to make you end your fast without any hindrance. 

MUHURAT FOR NAHASHIVRATRI PUJA FOR 4TH MARCH 2019

Nishita Kaal Puja Time = 24:13+ to 25:03+

Duration = 0 Hours 49 Mins

On 5th, Maha Shivaratri Parana Time = 06:49 to 15:33

Ratri First Prahar Puja Time = 18:27 to 21:32

Ratri Second Prahar Puja Time = 21:32 to 24:38+

Ratri Third Prahar Puja Time = 24:38+ to 27:43+

Ratri Fourth Prahar Puja Time = 27:43+ to 30:49+

How to read 24+ time?

Chaturdashi Tithi Begins = 16:28 on 4/Mar/2019

Chaturdashi Tithi Ends = 19:07 on 5/Mar/2019

Shiva is very clean and pure himself and hence he likes devotees who come to him after shedding off all their impurities. The best is to bathe before sitting for the Shiv puja or visiting his temple in the evening too. The significance of performing the Shiv Puja is when it is done at night and hence devotees should break their fast the next day after having taken a bath, before the Chaturdashi tithi ends. 

Unlike other pujas, Shiv puja on Mahashivratri can be performed four times during the night, the duration of the night being divided into four parts of three hours each called Prahar. Staunch Shiva devotees perform puja during all the four Prahars. Mahashivratri is also spelled as simply Shivratri, Sivaratri or Shivarathri.

Remember, Shiva is very soft hearted and a little devotion from his devotees can melt his heart. He is the Shakti, the Supreme power who governs and controls the entire universe. He is the bestower of power, prestige, name, fame and prosperity. His miracles are beyond explanation.