Maha Shivratri 2023 to see a rare coincidence
Maha Shivratri is one of the most significant days in the traditional Hindu calendar. Lord Shiva is worshipped as the destroyer of evil and the god of regeneration. Mahashivaratri is celebrated on the Chaturdashi tithi in Krishna Paksha during the month of Phalguna.
Maha Shivratri 2023 is on Saturday, February 18.
In a rare coincidence, the Shani Pradosh Vrat is also to be observed on Maha Shivratri day this year. This is considered very special. On this day many rare combinations of yoga are taking place. Worshipping Shiva-Parvati during this time is believed to yield double the results.
Many individuals recite the Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra on Maha Shivratri day. It is believed that individuals who worship Lord Shiva and Devi Parvati on this day will be freed from marital problems if any. Also, the Maha Shivratri Vrat is considered auspicious to make atonement for sins from this life and past lives.
The Krishna Paksha Chaturdashi tithi in Phalguna month is from February 18, 8.02 p.m. to February 19, 4:18 p.m.
The timing for Nishita Kaal Puja of Maha Shivratri will start at 11:23 pm on February 18th till 12:14 am on February 19th, 2023.
On February 19, the Paran of Maha Shivratri Vrat will start from 06:59 in the morning till 03:24 in the afternoon.
The Shani Pradosh Puja time is from February 18, 6:20 pm to February 18, 8:52 pm.
This rare occurrence of Shani Pradosh Vrat and Maha Shivratri on the same day gives rise to a benevolent yoga called Putra Prapti Yoga allowing Lord Shiva to bless his devotees with children.
The Maha Shivratri celebrates the union of Lord Shiva with Devi Parvati. It is believed that after a long penance, Devi Parvati finally obtained Lord Shiva as her husband on the Chaturdashi Tithi of Phalguna month. Devotees observe fast on this day. Lord Shiva is worshipped by offering milk and honey. Shivling puja is also done. It is believed Lord Shiva and Devi Parvati grant boons to those worshipping them on Maha Shivratri.
The Shani Pradosh Vrat sees the worship of Lord Shiva, Devi Parvati, Lord Ganesha and Lord Kartikeya. Observing Shani Pradosh Vrat blesses the devotee with peace and happiness. Unmarried women worship Devi Parvati to get husbands like Lord Shiva. Shani Pradosh Vrat is also considered to remove Shani Dosh. Food intake is limited to sattvic ones during the Vrat.
The Putra Prapti Yoga is said to bless the devotee with sons. A fast is observed on this day to have healthy sons as children. A special blessing is bestowed upon the devotees on this day.
As per Hindu history, the death of Devi Sati saw Lord Shiva go into a deep meditation from which Shiva did not seem to want to come out. Devi Parvati, who was the reincarnation of Devi Sati, had to undergo rigorous penance to bring Shiv out from meditation. Their union is worshipped as Maha Shivratri.
The family born out of this union including sons Lord Ganesha and Lord Kartikeya is worshipped during Shani Pradosh Vrat. Since Lord Shiva had two sons born to him, the Santan Prapti Yoga born out of the union of Maha Shivratri and Shani Pradosh Vrat is also called Putra (son) Prapti Yoga.
