Mahashivratri 2024: Every year, the auspicious festival of Mahashivratri is celebrated on the fourteenth day of the waning phase of the Falgun month according to the Hindu lunar calendar. This year, this date falls on Friday, March 8. On this day, devotees observe fasts and perform worship and rituals dedicated to Lord Shiva to seek blessings from Lord Shiva and alleviates all sorrows. Legend has it that the marriage of Shiva and Parvati took place on this day. To please Shiva and Gauri, people observe fasts and perform rituals with devotion on the day of Shivratri.
Various rituals are performed on this day, and certain special items associated with Lord Shiva should be brought into the home on this day. Here is a list of the items:
Nandi Idol: Bring a Nandi idol into your home on Mahashivratri. Nandi is not only Lord Shiva's devotee but also his vahana. Installing a small silver Nandi idol at home on the auspicious day of Mahashivratri pleases Lord Shiva, thereby strengthening financial stability.
Rudraksha: On Mahashivratri, bring a one-faced Rudraksha home. While there are various types of Rudraksha beads, a one-faced Rudraksha is considered a representation of Lord Shiva. In Hinduism, Rudraksha is also considered a symbol of happiness, peace, and prosperity. On the auspicious day of Mahashivratri, worship the one-faced Rudraksha with Lord Shiva's mantras and then wear it. You can either install it at home or keep it in your treasure.
Shivling: The worship of Shivling holds special significance on Mahashivratri, without which the puja is considered incomplete. According to astrology, on the auspicious day of Mahashivratri, you can bring a Shivling made from gemstones that are believed to alleviate planetary afflictions. Install it at home following the proper procedures and perform regular worship. This helps to alleviate ancestral issues, Kaal Sarp dosha, and Vastu dosha.
Belpatra: Lord Shiva is fond of Belpatra, and any puja of Lord Shiva is considered incomplete without it. Therefore, on Mahashivratri, bring Belpatra and perform the worship of Lord Shiva. This will attract the blessings of Bholenath.
Mahamrityunjay Yantra: Mahamrityunjay Yantra is considered highly effective. Regular worship of this yantra at home is believed to protect against diseases, doshas, financial difficulties, etc. Therefore, on Mahashivratri, you can bring Mahamrityunjay Yantra into your home. Install it and perform regular worship.