Rare Celestial Alignment on Mahashivratri: Devotees Prepare for Auspicious Worship

Patna: Mahashivratri, a significant Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Shiva, is set to be celebrated on Friday, marking the Chaturdashi date of Krishna Paksha in the Phalgun month. From the early hours until 08:11 in the morning, devotees will engage in worship rituals honoring Uma-Maheshwar, guided by the auspicious alignment of Shravan Nakshatra and Dhanishtha Nakshatra, along with the Sarvartha Siddhi Yoga.

A Patna based priest highlighted the rarity of this year’s Mahashivratri, noting a triangular conjunction of planets and stars occurring after 300 years. The celestial event encompasses the convergence of Shravan and Dhanishtha Nakshatra, coupled with the presence of Shivayoga, Gar Karan, and the Moon positioned in Capricorn and Aquarius. Additionally, a noteworthy alignment of three major planets – Sun, Saturn, and Mercury in Aquarius – further contributes to the auspiciousness of the occasion. Such extraordinary cosmic configurations, occurring once or twice in three centuries, are believed to amplify the efficacy of devotees’ prayers and rituals.

Devotees, eager to appease Lord Shiva, will observe various forms of worship on Mahashivratri, including Rudra, Laghu Rudra, and Maharudra ceremonies. Rituals such as Jalabhishek, Panchamrit Abhishek, Panchopachar, and Shodashopachar will be performed alongside chanting sacred mantras such as Om Namah Shivay, Har Har Mahadev, and Mahamrityunjaya Mantra, among others. Shiva Mahimna Stotra will also be recited, invoking divine blessings.

In adherence to Vedic traditions, devotees will worship Lord Shiva at four specific intervals throughout the day. Following customary worship rituals on the Shivalinga, devotees will anoint the deity with offerings symbolizing purification, healing, and prosperity. Ganga water, milk, and curd are used to alleviate sorrows, while honey is believed to provide relief from ailments and grief. Additionally, sugarcane juice is offered to invoke financial progress.

As preparations intensify for Mahashivratri, devotees eagerly anticipate the auspicious day, seeking divine blessings and spiritual fulfillment in their worship of Lord Shiva.