Maha Shivratri 2020 time, date, procedure you must know

• Maha Shivratri 2020 falls on Friday, February 21, 2020
  
  
• Maha Shivratri puja is highly beneficial and wins the blessings of Lord Shiva.
  
  
• Read on to know the date, timings and puja procedure for Shivratri.

Shiva is the most merciful gods of the holy trinity – Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. Shiva is said to be the god of destruction who annihilates the universe at the end of creation. He is predominantly worshipped in the form of Linga, a sacred pillar-like structure. Shivling can be seen installed in the inner sanctum sanctorum of temples. Shivratri is the holy night and a highly popular festival in Hinduism dedicated to the worship of Lord Shiva.

Mahashivratri 2020 date and time

This year, Shivratri falls on Friday, February 21, 2020. The Chaturdashi Tithi starts at 5.20 pm on Friday, February 21, 2020 and ends at 7.02 pm on Saturday, February 22, 2020. This is the period when Mahashivratri is celebrated. Shiv Puja for Shivratri can be performed on Friday, February 21, 2020 from 6 pm onwards culminating at around 6 am on Saturday, February 22, 2020. The auspicious Muhurat to perform the most important puja to Lord Shiva is Nishita Kaal from 24:08 to 25:00 pm on Friday, February 21, 2020.

Shivratri and Mahashivratri

Shivratri is observed on the fourteenth day (Chaturdashi) of the waning phase (Krishna Paksha) of the lunar month. Shivratri appears in the calendar month on month. However, there the two Shivratris in a year occurring in the months of Phalgun (February – March) and Shravan (July – August) are considered highly important. Among these two, the Shivratri that falls in the month of Phalgun (February – March) is called Mahashivratri. Mahashivratri is celebrated in a very grand manner as Hindus celebrate it at their homes and also in the temples.

Maha Shivratri significance

Shivratri is celebrated for many reasons. It is said Shiva and Parvati’s marriage took place on Shivratri. Yet another story says Shiva manifested as Linga on this day. There is one more mythological story that says Shiva performed his cosmic dance during Shivratri. Whatever be the reason, this holy night is dedicated to performing puja and worshipping Shiva in several ways.

What to do on Shivratri

During Shivratri, people observe fast and spend the whole night in the contemplation of the Lord while observing vigil and not falling asleep. Activities like singing the praises of Lord Shiva, listening to the glorious stories of Shiva, walking barefoot to the Shiva temple over long distances, visiting as many Shiva temples as possible in one night, and many other activities take place during Shivratri.

Maha Shivratri puja procedure

In all Shiva temples, Shivratri puja takes place through the night. Shivratri puja can be performed at homes. If Shivling is available at home, one can douse it with water from the Ganges; rose water, sandalwood paste, turmeric, sacred ash, coconut water, panchamrit, honey, fragrant materials, milk, curd and others. The whole night can be divided into segments and holy bath can be performed. At the end of the puja, specially prepared dishes are offered to Shiva. Garlands, flowers, coconut, fruits, dry fruits, and others are offered to Lord Shiva. The puja concludes with an arati and distribution of prasad to the invitees and family members.