Happy Shivratri 2023: A Time to Reflect and Rejoice

All the best wishes from us for the Great Festival Shivratri! The ideal opportunity to learn about Indian culture, and spirituality. Today on July 15th, the first Shivratri of the Sawan month of 2023 is celebrated. 

Despite the fact that there are 12 Shivratri per year, Sawan and Falgun Shivratri are especially notable.

Let us know in detail about Shivratri, its significance and its impact on our lives.

Is today Mahashivratri or Shivratri on July 15th 2023?

• In accordance with Hindu mythology, the Shivratri that falls in the month of Sawan is known as Sawan Shivratri or Sharvana Shivratri, and the Shivratri that falls in the month of February is known as Maha Shivratri. 

Shravan Maas Shivratri

As due to Adhik Maas, the devotees will be able enjoy the Sawan for two months, the Sawan Shivratri will take place on two special days during this month.

• 1st Shravan Shivratri - July 15th, Saturday.
• 2nd Shravan Shivratri - August 14th, Monday. 

Sawan Shivratri 2023

The month of Sawan is most dear to Lord Shiva. In the month of Sawan, Lord Shiva resides on earth with Mother Parvati and fulfills all the wishes of his devotees.

In the holy month of Sawan, special worship is offered to Bholenath in Shiva temples. 

Understand the Meaning of Shivratri Festival

• Hindus celebrate Shivaratri, a festival linked to procreation and peace in the home. Shiv and Ratri are the two terms from which it is derived.
• It literally means "The Night of Lord Shiva" and is titled after the great Hindu god who creates, preserves, and modifies the universe. 
• Shivratri is a day set up to commemorate and honor Lord Shiva, to respect life, and to celebrate existence. 
• Shivratri is a day that is typically spent in prayer, meditation, and joy.

How to Celebrate Shivratri?

Shiva devotees visit temples early in the morning on Sawan Shivratri to offer Jal Abhishek of Shivling. 

• It is traditional to light a Diya of pure ghee in the house temple for the morning and evening prayers.
• Shiva worshippers fast on this day and chant mantras as they pay respect to Lord Shiva. Meanwhile, they pray for the well-being of their loved ones. 
• People follow rituals related to the fast and this usually opens in the evening. 
• Once the fast is completed, the devotees can eat some limited food items.

Food to Eat on Shivratri Fast

• In addition, a lot of milk is drunk during Mahashivratri's fast. During the fast, you are permitted to consume milk and beverages with a milk base, such as Badam Doodh (Milk), Normal Rice Kheer, Sabudana Kheer, and Makhane Ki Kheer. 
• During a fast, sabudana (tapioca pearls) are one of the most often consumed foods. 
• In addition, you can boil potatoes, sauté them in pure ghee and sugar, and then eat them. 
• Various fruits can be consumed in their natural state. Kuttu ke Aate ki Puri and Meethi Lassi are the leftover alternatives. 

Sawan Shivratri's Significance

• Sawan Shivaratri, which symbolizes the union of Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva, is held as a tribute for the fasts Goddess Parvati kept for her spouse after their marriage on each moonless night. 
• The holiday symbolizes the peace and happiness that can come from a successful marriage.

What happens in the Month of Sawan?

• Millions of people transport the holy Ganga waters to Lord Shiva during the holy month of Sawan. 
• It's called the Kanwar Yatra. The "Kanwariyas" then visit Lord Shiva's temples and locations of pilgrimage to pray, give their offerings and present holy water of Ganga.

What is the difference between Mahashivratri and Shivratri?

• Shivratri and Mahashivratri are frequently misinterpreted. Mahashivratri is the most amazing of the Shivratris, in our humble view. 
• Shivratris take place each month, however Mahashivratri occurs once a year. Every lunar month, on the fourteenth day, people celebrate Shivratri.
• The annual Maha Shivaratri celebration is held between February and March in praise of the Lord Shiva.

Conclusion

Apart from praying, many devotees also observe fast and perform Maha Rudra-Abhishek puja seeking peace and prosperity, along with marital bliss. Celebrate this Special Sawan Shivratri with your family and Closed ones.

If you find this article useful and easy to understand, don’t forget to comment below. Stay connected to know more about such holy festivals of India.