Shivratri 2020 falls on Friday, February 21, 2020Shivratri puja is highly beneficial and wins the blessings of Lord Shiva.- Read on to know the date, timings and puja procedure for Shivratri.
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 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 as Mahashivratri. Mahashivratri is celebrated in a very grand manner in all Shiva temples. Hindus celebrate Shivratri at their homes and also in the temples.
Shivratri significance
Shivratri has several significances. 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 interpretation, this holy night is dedicated to performing Shiv 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 happen during Shivratri.
In all Shiva temples, Shivratri puja happens throughout the night. Shivratri puja can be performed at homes. If Shivling is available at home, perform holy bath to Shivling with Ganga water, rose water, sandal 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 arati or waving of camphor light. At the end, the Prasad is distributed to the invitees and family members.
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