‘Har-Har Mahadev’ will echo again in the month of Phalgun, know the exact date, auspicious time and special worship method of Mahashivratri:

New Delhi/Astrology Desk. In Hindu religion, the festival of Mahashivratri is not just a fast, but a celebration of the unbreakable love and sacred union of Lord Shiva and Mother Parvati. Preparations for this great festival, which is celebrated on Chaturdashi of Krishna Paksha of Phalgun month, have already started. This divine festival of Mahashivratri in the year 2026 15 February Will be celebrated. It is believed that on this day the influence of Shiva element is maximum in the universe, due to which the seekers attain spiritual power and mental peace.

Symbol of union of Shiva-Shakti: Why is Mahashivratri special?

According to mythology, on the day of Mahashivratri, Lord Shiva renounced renunciation and married Mother Parvati. This festival gives the message of union of man and nature. For devotees, this day is an opportunity for self-purification. On this day, there is a special tradition of ‘four hour worship’ in Jyotirlingas and Shivalayas across the country, in which Maha-Abhishek of Mahadev is done with milk, curd, honey and Ganga water.

Bilva Patra and Bhang: Importance of Bholenath’s favorite things

It is considered mandatory to have some special items in Shiva worship. According to the scriptures, the triangle shaped ‘Bilva Patra’ symbolizes the three eyes and trident of Lord Shiva. By offering it the sins of many births are destroyed. Along with this, offering of Dhatura, Madar flowers and hemp is very dear to Mahadev. It is believed that these cool things are offered to Lord Shiva to cool down the heat he endured to save the universe after consuming poison.

Mahashivratri puja material: Note this list

To please Mahadev, your puja thali must contain the following ingredients:

For Abhishek: Ganga water, raw cow’s milk, curd, honey and pure ghee.

For makeup: White sandalwood, ashes, Bilva leaves (uncut), Dhatura, hemp and madar flowers.

Naivedya: Seasonal fruits (plum, orange), white sweets and special thandai.

Other: Kalava, Akshat (unbroken rice), sacred thread and incense-lamp.

Special precautions: Anytime in Shiva Puja Basil leaves, vermillion or ketaki flowers Do not use them, because they are prohibited in the scriptures.

Special offering of Thandai in Prasad

Offering Thandai to Mahadev on Mahashivratri is an ancient tradition. It is prepared from nutritious ingredients like milk, almonds, cashew nuts, poppy seeds and saffron. In this thandai prepared for puja, Lord Shiva’s favorite ‘Vijaya’ (cannabis) is mixed and offered, which is considered a symbol of his coolness and joy.

Confluence of devotion and spiritual awakening

This great festival teaches us how God can be achieved through rigorous penance and unwavering faith. Unmarried girls keep a fast on this day to get a suitable groom, while householders wish for happiness, prosperity and peace. Through night vigil, devotees awaken their consciousness and move towards salvation by becoming Shiva.