Shivratri, or Mahashivratri, is the most auspicious day dedicated to Lord Shiva and is popularly known as the night of Siva. In 2017, the date of Shivratri is Friday, February 24. In Panchangs and Hindu calendars followed in Australia, United States, United Kingdom (Britain) and Canada, Shivaratri is marked on February 24. 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.
Shivratri 2017 Puja Time
Chaturdasi tithi in North, South and Eastern parts of India is from 9:39 PM on Feb 24 to 9:21 PM on Feb 25.
Chaturdasi tithi in Western parts of India is from 9:39 PM on Feb 24 to 9:21 PM on Feb 25.
Best time to do puja is midnight 12:06 AM to 12:56 AM on February 25, 2017.
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.
You may also like to read other articles :-
How to do Shivaratri Puja
What to do on Shivratri?
How to observe Shivratri Fast?
Shivratri Mantras
Shivratri Stories and Legends
Why is Shivratri celebrated during night?
Shivratri Quotes and Thoughts
Swami Shivananda on why Shivaratri is observed?
Sri Sri Ravishankar on Shivratri and how to observe it?
