Mahashivaratri 2024 Pre Preparations

In 2024, MahaShivaratri falls on March 8 – March 9. Maha Shivaratri is considered as the most auspicious day for all Shiva devotees and I am no exception. This day means a lot to me. There are many mythological stories behind the observance of Maha Shivaratri and the two I know are –

1. When the Gods and demons churned the ocean together with Vasuki snake as the rope to obtain nectar, a pot of poison emerged before the nectar and starting killing both the devas and asuras. So, the devas pleaded Lord Shiva to help them. Hearing their plea, Lord Shiva consumed this poison and saved the devas. Shiva then held the poison in His throat because of which his throat turned blue and He got the name “Neelakandan”. That day is celebrated as Maha Shivratri.

2. Another belief is that it was on this spiritual day, Lord Shiva got married to Goddess Parvati.

Let us see some pre preparations that we can do Maha Shivaratri Pooja at home –

1. Lets declutter and start cleaning the house. This includes deep cleaning the cupboards and lofts, dusting the doors and windows, washing the curtains, and keeping the house clean and tidy.
2. Stock up on pooja essentials like ghee, oil, wick, incense sticks.
3. Mentally prepare on what to keep as prasad and buy keep necessary things.
4. Start cleaning the pooja things and idols.
5. Start learning a few mantras or songs. Maha Mrityunjay Mantra is considered as the most sacred Shiva mantra or hymns like thiruvasagam and maasil veenaiyum.

In the upcoming posts, let us learn simple ways to observe Mahashivaratri pooja at home. Stay tuned!