Mahashivratri 2024 : The whole country is gearing up for Mahashivratri. Shiva devotees observe Mahashivratri day to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva. Special pujas are performed in temples. They show devotion for the grace of Bola Shankar. Devotees believe that fasting and vigil on the day of Shivaratri will bring blessings of Lord Shiva. Pundits say that on the occasion of Shivratri on March 8th, if you bring home three plants on that day, you will get the blessings of Lord Shiva.
Shivratri means..
The night when Lord Shiva incarnated from formlessness to bodily form is called Maha Shivaratri. During this night Lord Shiva appeared in Linga form. Moreover, Puranas say that Parvati Parameshwara's kalyanam also took place on Mahashivratri day. Mahashivratri Brahmotsavams have already started in Shaivakshetras.
Special features of the festival…
One of the main rituals of Mahashivratri is to anoint the Shivalinga with water and milk. This is called Rudrabhishekam. It shows respect and gratitude to God. They bring home the favorite plants of Lord Shiva to seek his blessings. It is believed that if these three plants are brought home, life will be happy with the grace of Lord Shiva.
The plant does not change..
One of the most beloved plants of Lord Shiva is the marjoram or bilvapatra plant. The leaf of this plant represents the three eyes of Lord Shiva. On the day of Mahashiratri Lord Shiva is worshiped with mareu leaves. If maredu plants are planted in the house on that day or leaves used in Shiva Puja are placed in the house, the negative energies will be removed.
Centumalle tree..
Lord Shiva is very fond of Centumalle tree or Arabian Jasmine. The flowers of this plant are very fragrant. Parvati is very fond of Eepu as Shiva's sati. Scholars say that it is very good to bring that plant home on the day of Mahashiratri. It is said that the blessings of Amma will come.
Ummetta plant..
Ummetta or Dattura plant. It grows with white flowers and poisonous seeds. Generally these plants are not grown at home. But on the day of Mahashiratri, they collect it and bring it home. Shiva likes these flowers very much. Scholars say that by offering these flowers, one can get close to Lord Shiva. Astrologers say that it is lucky to have an ummetta plant in the house on Shivratri day. Devotees believe that this plant brings happiness and wealth.
