Shivratri dates | Monthly Shivratri days | When is Shivratri this month ?

Find Shivratri days in a Tamil Panchang Calendar. Please select the Year to get the Shivratri dates, By Default, Current Year is displayed !

Shivratri dates, monthly days 2024

Holy Shivaratri days

According to Hindu beliefs, Shivaratri is a festival that symbolizes the overcoming of darkness in life. This sacred event occurs during every lunisolar month of the Hindu calendar, specifically on the 13th night and 14th day after Pournami (full moon). Shivaratri is celebrated primarily at night.

Shivaratri is deeply associated with Lord Shiva. The Shivaratri that falls in February or March is particularly significant and is referred to as 'Maha Shivaratri.' This auspicious day is a time for expressing gratitude to Lord Shiva for safeguarding the world from the deadly poison.

Maha Shivaratri is a major festival for Hindus, celebrated as the "Great Night of Shiva." During this night, devotees perform a ritual bath of the Shiva Linga every three hours. Thousands of people across the country gather in temples to spend this holy night, engaging in fasting, performing poojas, chanting prayers in praise of Lord Shiva, and offering neivedhyam along with other rituals.

Shivaratri is believed to be the night when Lord Shiva performed the 'Tandava Nritya,' the cosmic dance of creation, preservation, and destruction. On this night, the ritual bath (Abhishekam) is performed with Panchagavya, which consists of milk, curd, ghee, urine, and dung. This festival holds special significance for women, who pray to Goddess Parvati, also known as 'Gaura,' seeking blessings for good husbands, marital bliss, and a long, prosperous married life.

Monthly Shivaratri dates Importance

Maha Shivaratri is a significant Hindu festival celebrated in reverence of Lord Shiva. It is also known as the "Great Night of Shiva" and is observed with great devotion and enthusiasm by millions of devotees across India and other parts of the world.

Significance of Maha Shivaratri

Maha Shivaratri holds immense spiritual and mythological significance. It is believed to be the night when Lord Shiva performed the Tandava Nritya, the cosmic dance of creation, preservation, and destruction. This dance symbolizes the cyclical nature of the universe.

Shivaratri Celebrations and Rituals

Devotees fast and stay awake all night, offering prayers and performing various rituals during Maha Shivaratri. Some of the common customs and practices associated with this festival include:

• Abhishekam: Shiva Lingas in temples are bathed with water, milk, yogurt, honey, and other sacred liquids as a form of purification and devotion.
• Chanting of Mantras: Devotees recite sacred mantras and perform japa (repetition of a mantra) throughout the night.
• Offering Bilva Leaves: The bilva or bel patra leaves are considered sacred and are offered to Lord Shiva.
• Observing a Fast: Many people observe a strict fast, consuming only fruits, milk, and other fasting foods, as a mark of reverence to Lord Shiva.
• Visiting Shiva Temples: Devotees visit Shiva temples, particularly the twelve Jyotirlingas, to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva.

Maha Shivaratri Around India

Maha Shivaratri is celebrated with regional variations in different parts of India. In the state of Tamil Nadu, it is an occasion to worship Lord Shiva and seek His divine grace. In the northern regions, devotees often visit the famous Amarnath Cave Temple, while in the western state of Gujarat, the festival is marked by the performance of the Tandava dance.

Praying for Blessings on Shivaratri

Devotees pray for Lord Shiva's blessings for the well-being of their families, personal growth, and spiritual enlightenment. It is also a day to seek forgiveness for one's sins and to attain salvation.

Maha Shivaratri Celebration

Maha Shivaratri is a major Hindu festival that symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance. Devotees celebrate this sacred night with deep devotion and spirituality, finding solace and strength in the worship of Lord Shiva.