Maha Shivratri, or the “Great Night of Shiva,” is a significant Hindu festival celebrated annually to honor Lord Shiva.
It falls on the 14th night of the waning moon in the Hindu month of Phalguna, typically in February or March. In 2025, Maha Shivratri will be observed on February 26
-Auspicious Timings for Maha Shivratri 2025:
- Nishita Kaal Puja Time: February 27, 2025, from 12:08 AM to 12:58 AM.
- Ratri First Prahar Puja Time: February 26, 2025, from 6:18 PM to 9:25 PM.
- Shivaratri Parana (Fast-breaking) Time: February 27, 2025, from 6:48 AM to 8:54 AM.
The 12 Jyotirlingas are sacred sites dedicated to Lord Shiva, each with its own unique significance as per Hindu scriptures (Puranas). Here’s a brief overview:
Jyotirlinga Locations
- Somnath- Gujarat First Jyotirlinga, symbolizes the beginning of creation.
- Mallikarjuna- Andhra Pradesh Associated with the union of Shiva and Parvati.
- Mahakaleshwar- Madhya Pradesh Known for its powerful Shiva Linga, believed to be the only south-facing Jyotirlinga.
- Omkareshwar- Madhya Pradesh Located on an island in the Narmada River, symbolizes the cosmic sound “Om”.
- Kedarnath- Uttarakhand Situated in the Himalayas, represents the power of nature.
- Bhimashankar- Maharashtra Associated with the slaying of the demon Bhima.
- Vishvanath- Uttar Pradesh Located in Varanasi, considered one of the holiest cities in Hinduism.
- Trimbakeshwar- Maharashtra Known for its three-faced Shiva Linga, representing the three aspects of time.
- Vaidyanath- Jharkhand Believed to be the place where Ravana worshipped Shiva.
- Nageshwar- Gujarat Associated with the protection from evil spirits.
- Rameshwaram- Tamil Nadu Marks the spot where Rama worshipped Shiva before invading Lanka.
- Grishneshwar- Maharashtra Located near Ellora Caves, represents the power of devotion.
India is home to many spiritual sites due to its rich cultural and religious history.
Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism all originated in India, contributing to its spiritual landscape.
The country’s diverse geography and climate have also facilitated the development of various spiritual practices and traditions over thousands of years.
According to Hindu mythology, Parvati, the daughter of the Himalayas, was determined to marry Shiva after her previous incarnation as Sati.
She performed intense penance to win Shiva’s heart, and eventually, they got married. Their union symbolizes the balance of masculine and feminine energies in the universe
In Hindu mythology, Shiva is considered one of the most powerful beings due to his role as the destroyer of evil and the transformer of the universe.
He is revered for his cosmic dance, which represents creation, preservation, and destruction.
His power is often associated with spiritual growth and liberation.
