Shivratri, or Mahashivratri, is the most auspicious day dedicated to Lord Shiva and is popularly known as the night of Siva. In 2014, the date of Shivratri is February 27. In Panchangs and Hindu calendars followed in Australia, United States, United Kingdom (Britain) and Canada, Shivratri is marked on March 10. This holy night of Shiva is observed on the night before ‘amavasya’ in the Hindu month of Phalgun (February – March) as per traditional Hindu calendar followed in North India . The corresponding period in other regions is the night before Magh Amavasya.
Most Hindu festivals are noted for its mirth and color but Shivratri is a night dedicated to prayers and contemplation. Of course, when Lord Shiva is worshipped there is joy all around but it is not just joy but bliss that is achieved through Brahman realization – When Lord Shiva is seen in all animate and inanimate.
When we realize that it is his Tandava that creates each cell and it is his Tandava that is responsible for the transformation of each cell – we attain Moksha
Planetary Position on Shivaratri Night
It is believed that the planetary positions align in such a way on Shivratri night that it naturally creates an upsurge of energy in the human system. This is also why traditionally it is known to be beneficial both physically and spiritually to stay awake and aware through the night.
Shivratri and Amavasya (No Moon)
The significance of Shivratri is closely associated with ‘amavas’ - the no moon night or full dark night as per traditional Hindu Calendar. Amavas symbolically represents Kaliyuga or spiritual ignorance. Lord Shiva appeared just before the beginning of Kaliyuga to rid the world of evil and ignorance. Therefore Shivratri is celebrated to get rid of evil and ignorance.
It must be noted here that Shivratri is observed during Phalgun month in North India . The corresponding month in Gujarat, Maharashtra , Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh is Magh Month.
There is also a Masa Shivratri which is observed on thirteenth day of Krishna Paksha (waning phase of the moon) in all traditional Hindu months.
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16 comments:
Hello Sir,
What slokas can a married woman chant on this day?
thanks
priya
Namaste...You can chant any shlokas dedicated to Shiva or simply... Om Namah Shivaya...
There is no difference between man, woman, child for Shiva...He is in all...
thanks sir
maha shivatrai is not on amavasya it falla on chaturdashi
Hi. I have a question about the date. The new moon(amavasya) is on February 25, why then is the festival on the 23? Is it because its the closest monday(somvar)?
Amavasya is on February 24.
Hello,
Could you please tell me when to celebrate Shivaratri(in 2010) here in New York, 11th or 12th? I read that it falls on the fourteenth(Chaturdashi) day of Krishna paksha(which is on 12th) then why should Shivaratri be celebrated on 11th(which is Trayodashi) here in USA?
there are 2 Hindu groups in trinidad one is celebrating shivaratri on the 11th and the other is celebrating it on the 12th I know the day is celebrated base on the time and if it falls before 12am it is celebrated the night before so if tinidad in not a full 24 hours to india what day should it really be celebrated.
There is an error in the date for USA/Canada where you mention "United States, United Kingdom (Britain) and Canada, Shivratri is marked on March 4". In fact, Shivaratri by definition requires the Chaturdasi tithi and on March 4, the amavasya is already past in the US !! The date should be March 2 instead for US/Canada. You can check any decent jyotish software for 6.pm of this date for any place in US/Canada
om
dear
same question,
when is shivaratri if we live in south pacific (new caledonia), 2 hours from Australia...
thanx by advance and Boom Shankar!
nice blog................
There is an error in the date for USA/Canada where you mention "United States, United Kingdom (Britain) and Canada, Shivratri is marked on March 4". In fact, Shivaratri by definition requires the Chaturdasi tithi and on March 4, the amavasya is already past in the US !! The date should be March 2 instead for US/Canada. You can check any decent jyotish software for 6.pm of this date for any place in US/Canada
Anonymous said...
Hello Sir,
What slokas can a married woman chant on this day?
thanks
priya
February 4, 2009 11:12 AM
abhilash said...
Namaste...You can chant any shlokas dedicated to Shiva or simply... Om Namah Shivaya...
There is no difference between man, woman, child for Shiva...He is in all...
February 4, 2009 11:15 AM
priya said...
thanks sir
February 6, 2009 10:01 AM
Anonymous said...
maha shivatrai is not on amavasya it falla on chaturdashi
February 10, 2009 9:42 PM
miradas said...
Hi. I have a question about the date. The new moon(amavasya) is on February 25, why then is the festival on the 23? Is it because its the closest monday(somvar)?
February 17, 2009 1:23 PM
abhilash said...
Amavasya is on February 24.
February 17, 2009 3:07 PM
Sneha said...
Hello,
Could you please tell me when to celebrate Shivaratri(in 2010) here in New York, 11th or 12th? I read that it falls on the fourteenth(Chaturdashi) day of Krishna paksha(which is on 12th) then why should Shivaratri be celebrated on 11th(which is Trayodashi) here in USA?
February 11, 2010 10:35 PM
Anonymous said...
there are 2 Hindu groups in trinidad one is celebrating shivaratri on the 11th and the other is celebrating it on the 12th I know the day is celebrated base on the time and if it falls before 12am it is celebrated the night before so if tinidad in not a full 24 hours to india what day should it really be celebrated.
February 12, 2010 7:20 PM
Pt.Sanjay Rath said...
There is an error in the date for USA/Canada where you mention "United States, United Kingdom (Britain) and Canada, Shivratri is marked on March 4". In fact, Shivaratri by definition requires the Chaturdasi tithi and on March 4, the amavasya is already past in the US !! The date should be March 2 instead for US/Canada. You can check any decent jyotish software for 6.pm of this date for any place in US/Canada
August 6, 2010 6:49 PM
shivatronic said...
om
dear
same question,
when is shivaratri if we live in south pacific (new caledonia), 2 hours from Australia...
thanx by advance and Boom Shankar!
Indian Vedic contribution is a reservoir of Vibrant Information and Harmonious Creativity. May the Womb of Nature Embrace all with Tranquil Blessings from this day forward. Let this attract one's attention affecting them Positively. It is a Sanctuary of the Self , a Creative Venue which serves as an Enduring Expression of Lightness, where a peaceful Atmosphere with Sunlight Flows and serene atmosphere prevail.
In the storm of life we struggle through myriads of stimuli of pressure, stress, and muti-problems that seek for a solution and answer. We are so suppressed by the routine of this every life style that most of us seem helpless. However, if we look closely to ancient techniques we shall discover the magnificent way to understand and realize the ones around us and mostly ourselves. If only we could stop for a moment and allow this to happen. May all beings be happy (Loka Samastha Sukhino Bhavanthu)
from midnight to what time...???
because here in Trinidad (Caribbean ) some people say till 6am and some saying till 12MD......
so someone please help..........!!!
Is this an auspicious day on which to die?
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