Mahashivratri is a significant festival for Hindus all around the world. It is celebrated on the fourteenth day of the dark fortnight in the month of Magha or Phalguna (February/March). Mahashivratri is also known as the ‘Great Night of Shiva’, and it holds great spiritual and cultural significance. On this day, devotees worship Lord Shiva and seek his blessings. Performing the Mahashivratri puja with the correct Vidhi is considered auspicious and fruitful. So while you have limited options for finding Mahashivratri puja services by a pandit or purohit, it’s better to go online as it’s more convenient and budget-friendly. Onlinetemple is one such platform for devotees who can now easily perform Lord Shiva Hindu God Puja online.

Purpose behind Mahashivatri

The word “Shivratri” means “the night of Shiva,” and “Maha” means great. Hence, Mahashivratri is the great night of Lord Shiva. The puja Vidhi for Mahashivratri is considered to be very significant and must be performed with utmost devotion and purity.

Mahashivratri is celebrated as Lord Shiva’s wedding anniversary by people who live in families. The ambitious regard it as the day Lord Shiva defeated all of his enemies. However, in the yogic tradition, Shiva is regarded as the first guru or Adi Guru – the one who founded the science of Yoga.

Significance of Mahashivratri

For those on the spiritual path, Mahashivratri is extremely important. It is also very important for people who are in family situations, as well as those who are ambitious in the world. Mahashivratri is celebrated as Lord Shiva’s wedding anniversary by people who live in families. Those with worldly ambitions regard that day as the day Shiva defeated all his adversaries.

Preparations for Mahashivratri Puja

Before starting the Lord Shiva Hindu God Puja online, one needs to make preparations. The puja Samagri or the necessary items for the puja should be kept ready. Some of the essential puja items include:

• Rudraksha Mala or beads made of Tulsi
• Incense sticks (agarbatti)
• Camphor (Kapoor)
• Flowers (especially white)
• Coconut
• Fruits
• Milk
• Honey
• Curd
• Sugar
• Ganga Jal (holy water from the Ganges)
• Panchamrit (a mixture of five ingredients – milk, curd, honey, sugar, and ghee)
• Dhatura (also known as Thorn Apple)

Step-By-Step Guide To Perform Mahashivratri Puja Vidhi

1. Cleanse the House and Yourself

The first step is to clean your house and yourself. Take a bath, wear clean clothes, and clean the puja room. It is believed that a clean environment attracts positive energies.

2. Prepare the altar

Create an altar for Lord Shiva. Adorn it with blossoms, candles, and incense sticks. Place a Shiva Linga or idol of Lord Shiva in the center of the altar. You can also keep pictures of other deities like Lord Ganesha, Goddess Parvati, and Lord Kartikeya. Performing GAnmesh Puja & Mata Parvati Puja is also considered auspicious on this day. Lord Ganesha is worshipped before starting any puja. Offer flowers, Akshata (unbroken rice), and sweets to Lord Ganesha. With access to digitalization, one can easily perform puja for lord Ganesha online.

3. Offer the Panchamrit

Panchamrit is a mixture of five ingredients – milk, curd, honey, ghee, and Gangajal. Take a bowl and mix all the ingredients in equal proportions. Now, offer the Panchamrit to the Shiva Linga, or idol of Lord Shiva. It is believed that offering Panchamrit purifies the soul and brings good luck.

4. Offer the Bilva leaves

Bilva leaves are considered to be very auspicious for Lord Shiva. Take three Bilva leaves and offer them to the Shiva Linga or idol. It is said that offering Bilva leaves helps in washing away the sins of the past and brings good luck.

5. Light the Diya

Light a Diya (lamp) in front of the Shiva Linga or idol. Glorifying the triumph of good over evil. It is believed that the light of the Diya illuminates the darkness of ignorance and brings knowledge.

6. Offer Fruits

Offer fruits like bananas, apples, and pomegranates to Lord Shiva. It is believed that offering fruits symbolizes the offering of one’s heart to the deity. Fruits are considered to be pure and filled with positive energy.

7. Perform the Abhishekam

Abhishekam is a ritual in which water, milk, curd, honey, and other items are poured into the Shiva Linga or idol. It is said that performing the Abhishekam pleases Lord Shiva and brings prosperity and happiness. You can also add rose water, turmeric, and saffron to the mixture.

8. Offer Dhatura

Dhatura is a plant that is considered to be very sacred to Lord Shiva. It is believed that offering Dhatura to Lord Shiva can cure diseases and bring good health. Offer Dhatura leaves and flowers to the Shiva Linga or idol.

9. Chant Mantras

Chanting mantras is an important part of Mahashivratri Puja. You can chant the “Om Namah Shivaya” mantra or any other mantra that you are comfortable with. Chanting mantras helps in connecting with the deity and seeking blessings.

10. Offer Prasad

After completing the puja, perform the aarti of Lord Shiva. Light the camphor and rotate it around the Shiva Linga. After this, distribute the prasad to everyone. Prepare a sweet dish like kheer or halwa and offer it to Lord Shiva as Prasad. It is believed that Prasad is blessed by the deity and brings good fortune.

Mahashivratri Vrat

Fasting on Mahashivratri is considered auspicious. Many devotees observe a Vrat or fast on this day. People observe the Mahashivratri Vrat to show their devotion to their favorite deity. The Mahashivratri Vrat is optional; pregnant women, children, the sick, and the elderly are advised not to observe the fasts. Many people choose the ‘Nirjala’ Vrat, in which they do not drink or eat anything during the day.

Onlinetemple is a platform that provides Hindu Online Puja services to people who are unable to visit temples due to various reasons. The platform has gained immense popularity among devotees for its hassle-free and authentic puja services. They offer puja services for various occasions and festivals, including Mahashivratri. The puja Vidhi for Mahashivratri offered by Onlinetemple is an elaborate process that involves the chanting of mantras, performing aarti, and offering various offerings to Lord Shiva.

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