Guwahati: Maha Shivratri is a significant Hindu holiday that is observed every year in honour of Lord Shiva, who is regarded as one of the three members of the Hindu holy trinity. All around the nation, people observe the event by fasting and praying to a deity. Maha Shivratri occurs this year on February 18, which is a Saturday. Unmarried women pray to have a spouse like Lord Shiva, who is regarded as the “ideal husband,” while married women pray for the happiness of their husbands on this day. Maha Shivratri has profound origins in Hindu mythology, but this day is also associated with a number of stories.
The mythology of the union of Shiva and Shakti is the most well-known. The narrative describes how Shiva wed Shakti, his celestial spouse, a second time on this night. The day is referred to as “The Night of Lord Shiva” in remembrance of their glorious union. Another legend holds that Lord Shiva saved the earth from darkness by ingesting a deadly concoction that was created during the Gods and devils’ churning of the oceans. The day is regarded as a symbolic festival to banish darkness and ignorance and go forward in life with a heightened sense of consciousness as a result of this mythology.
According to a separate mythology, Lord Shiva danced the hypnotic and heavenly Rudra Tandava—a dance of creation, preservation, and destruction—when he learned of Sati’s immolation. The Shiva Puja is said to be performed four times during the course of the entire night, or four prahars. According to Drikpanchang.com, this year these prahars will be observed in accordance with the following timetable:
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
Drikpanchang.com states that the Chaturdashi Tithi during Krishna Paksha in the Hindu month of Magha is known as Maha Shivaratri, according to South Indian calendar. However, according to the North Indian calendar, Masik Shivaratri in the month of Phalguna is known as Maha Shivaratri. In both calendars, it is the naming convention of the lunar month that differs. Nevertheless, Hindus all across the globe celebrate Maha Shivaratri on same day, irrespective of the calendar they follow.