Maha Shivaratri will be celebrated on 11 March 2021. It is the most important festival of union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Shakti. Shiva devotees usually fast on the day of Trayodashi and then observe Chaturdashi Tithi. According to the scriptures, the marriage of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati took place on this day. That is why it is considered very good in Hinduism to have a night-time wedding muhurat. It is believed that all the wishes of the devotees who fast on this day are fulfilled.
Maha Shivaratri fast begins from the date of Trayodashi. On this day many people fast for the whole day. According to Hindu scriptures, Maha Shivaratri is worshiped four times during the night on Chaturdashi. These four times are also known as Char Pahar. According to belief, worshiping one of these four riders gets rid of one’s past sins. At the same time, they also receive the blessings of salvation. It is compulsory to perform Shiva Puja only during the night and it is necessary to perform Parayana after sunrise before Chaturdashi Tithi ends on the next day.
During the puja one should chant Om Namah Shivaya 108 times. Maha Shivaratri is known as the day when Shiva was united with Shakti. Shiva-Parvati also conducts a tableau or procession of marriage in many devotees of North India. Goddess Parvati is believed to be an incarnation of Goddess Sati.
All through India, many devotees observe the Shivratri fast. They gather in Shiva temples around the Shivalinga with their offerings. They pray, chant, meditate and fast all day and night. The fast or vrat is at the heart of the celebration and many follow it earnestly to increase the solemnity of their vows and intentions.
This vrat is different from those followed during other Hindu festivals, where devotees eat food after performing the puja of the deity. On this great night of Lord Shiva, the vrat continues through the day, and night.
