Masik Shivaratri – 8 February 2024: Parana Timings and Rituals

7 February, 2024

Mark your calendars! The auspicious festival of Masik Shivaratri falls on Thursday, February 8th, 2024, offering a chance to seek blessings from Lord Shiva. This monthly observance holds immense significance for devotees, and this year, it coincides with the Chaturdashi Tithi (14th lunar day) in the Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight) of the Magha month.

Inside this Article: hide

1 Parana Timings in IST:

2 Rituals of Masik Shivaratri:

3 Significance of Masik Shivaratri:

4 Benefits of Observing Masik Shivaratri:

5 Connection & Difference Between Masik Shivaratri and Maha Shivaratri

Parana Timings in IST:

Chaturdashi Tithi Begins: February 8th, 2024, 6:17 PM IST
Chaturdashi Tithi Ends: February 9th, 2024, 3:02 AM IST
Auspicious Parana Time (Breaking Fast): February 9th, 2024, 9:45 AM – 12:28 PM IST

The timings are provided for New Delhi, India. It’s important to note that timings for Masik Shivaratri can vary slightly depending on your specific location in India due to differences in time zones and calculation methods. Source

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Rituals of Masik Shivaratri:

Fasting: Devotees fast throughout the day, abstaining from food and water as a mark of devotion to Lord Shiva.
Puja: Special prayers and rituals are performed to honor Lord Shiva. Devotees visit temples and offer Bilva leaves, milk, water, and other sacred items to the deity.
Japa and Meditation: Chanting of Shiva mantras such as “Om Namah Shivaya” and meditation are integral parts of the observance. It is believed that these practices help in attaining spiritual purification and inner peace.
Abstaining from Sleep: Some devotees stay awake throughout the night, engaging in continuous prayers and meditation to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva.

Significance of Masik Shivaratri:

Masik Shivaratri holds immense significance in Hindu mythology and spirituality. It is believed that observing fasts and performing rituals on this day can cleanse one’s sins, bestow divine blessings, and fulfill desires. Devotees seek the grace of Lord Shiva for prosperity, happiness, and liberation from the cycle of birth and death.

Benefits of Observing Masik Shivaratri:

Appease Lord Shiva and seek his blessings for peace, prosperity, and happiness.
Purify your mind, body, and soul.
Cultivate inner peace and spiritual growth.
Strengthen your connection with Lord Shiva.

Celebrate Masik Shivaratri with devotion and simplicity. May this auspicious occasion bring you joy, blessings, and spiritual fulfillment.

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Connection & Difference Between Masik Shivaratri and Maha Shivaratri

While both hold significance in honoring Lord Shiva, they differ in certain key aspects:

Similarities:

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Both Masik Shivaratri (Monthly Shivaratri) and Maha Shivaratri (the great night of Shiva) are observed to worship Lord Shiva and seek his blessings.
Both involve rituals like offering prayers, mantras, and puja to the Shivalinga, fasting (optional), and observing spiritual practices like meditation.
Both offer opportunities for the purification of mind, body, and soul.

Differences:

Frequency: Masik Shivaratri occurs every month on the 14th lunar day during the waning moon phase (Krishna Paksha). Maha Shivaratri, however, takes place only once a year, typically in February or March, depending on the lunar calendar.
Significance: Maha Shivaratri is considered the most significant Shivaratri among all twelve monthly ones. It commemorates various auspicious events associated with Lord Shiva, like his marriage to Parvati, overcoming various challenges, and manifestation as the Linga.
Celebrations: Maha Shivaratri is generally celebrated with more grandeur and elaborate rituals compared to Masik Shivaratri. Devotees observe stricter fasts, participate in night-long vigils, and visit prominent Shiva temples or Jyotirlingas for special pujas and darshan.

In short:

Masik Shivaratri is a regular observance to connect with Lord Shiva throughout the year.
Maha Shivaratri is a special, grand celebration marking significant events in Lord Shiva’s life.

Both offer unique opportunities for spiritual growth and seeking blessings from Lord Shiva. You can choose to observe both or prioritize one based on your personal devotion and preferences.