Patna: Millions of devotees across India are observing Mahashivratri on Sunday, with religious leaders highlighting a rare alignment of astrological combinations believed to increase the spiritual significance of the festival. This year, Vyatipat Yoga, Sarvartha Siddhi Yoga and Jayad Yoga are occurring simultaneously, a convergence priests say makes prayers and rituals particularly auspicious.
Devotees began the day with fasting and ritual bathing of the Shiva Lingam, known as abhishek, using sacred items such as Ganga water, milk, curd, honey, sandalwood, bel leaves and flowers. Temples throughout Patna and other parts of the country reported steady crowds, with worshippers offering prayers for health, prosperity and spiritual fulfilment. Many households also conducted traditional rituals using Narmadeshwar, crystal and earthen Shiva Lingams.
Religious scholars emphasised the importance of specific celestial timings. According to Acharya Rakesh Jha, Uttara Ashadha Nakshatra remained in effect until early evening, after which Shravan Nakshatra considered especially sacred began. Worship during this transition period, he said, is believed to bring blessings, fulfil wishes and strengthen spiritual wellbeing.
Several auspicious time windows were observed throughout the day, including Char-Labh Muhurat in the morning, Amrit and Abhijit Muhurat around midday, and Shubh Yoga in the afternoon. The most significant period, known as Pradosh Kaal, occurs in the evening and is traditionally regarded as the most powerful time to offer prayers to Shiva.
Priests also noted the symbolic meaning attached to ritual offerings. Milk is associated with good health, honey with harmony in speech, and bel leaves with prosperity and stability. Dhatura and bhang, traditionally linked to Shiva worship, are believed by devotees to help remove negative energies and obstacles.
Maha Shivratri, one of the most important festivals in Hinduism, commemorates the cosmic union of Shiva and Parvati. Devotees typically observe fasting, meditation and night-long prayers, reflecting a belief that sincere worship on this night brings spiritual growth, inner peace and divine grace.
