Maha Shivratri, also known as “Night of Lord Shiva”, is one of the most important Hindu festivals, celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion across the country. This year, it is falling on February 18, 2023. There are many legends associated with Maha Shivratri which underline its importance. The most prominent one says that on this day, Lord Shiva performed the divine dance, Tandava, and married his beloved wife, Goddess Parvati – the union of male and female energy that keeps the world in balance. Devotees fast, worship and make offerings to Lord Shiva on this auspicious day.
According to astrology, the 12 signs of the zodiac are governed by the 4 elements of nature – fire, earth, air and water and can celebrate auspicious festivals according to their zodiac signs – Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius and Pisces.
Maha Shivratri 2023: Celebrations as per Zodiac Signs
Mahashivratri is celebrated all over the country. Expert astrologer Pandit Jagannath Guruji says, “In astrology, each zodiac sign is associated with a different planet and element, and each zodiac sign has unique characteristics and traits”. Here are some ways to celebrate Shivratri according to your zodiac sign:
Aries (March 21 – April 19) Maha Shivratri Celebrations
Aries is a fire sign associated with Mars, the planet of energy and power. You can celebrate Shivratri by fasting and doing strenuous physical activities like yoga or dancing to channelize your abundant energy in a positive way. Offer red flowers to Lord Shiva and light a ghee lamp to seek his blessings.
Taurus (April 20 – May 20) Maha Shivratri Celebrations
Taurus is an earth sign associated with Venus, the planet of love and beauty. You can celebrate Shivratri by offering white flowers and sandalwood paste to Lord Shiva and meditating to connect with the divine. You can also prepare a delicious feast with traditional dishes like thandai and share it with your loved ones.
Gemini (May 21 – June 20) Maha Shivratri Celebrations
Gemini is an air sign associated with Mercury, the planet of communication and intelligence. You can celebrate Shivratri by reading the Shiva Purana or other sacred texts and learn more about the symbols and mythology of Lord Shiva. You can also chant the mantra ‘Om Namah Shivaya’ to connect yourself with the energy of Lord Shiva.
Cancer (June 21 – July 22) Maha Shivratri Celebrations
Cancer is a water sign associated with the Moon, the planet of emotion and intuition. You can celebrate Shivratri by offering milk and rice to Lord Shiva, and by taking a ritual bath or abhisheka to purify your soul. You can also light a diya or candle and pray to Lord Shiva for inner peace and emotional stability.
Leo (July 23 – August 22) Maha Shivratri Celebrations
Leo is a fire sign associated with the Sun, which is the planet of vitality and leadership. You can celebrate Shivratri by wearing traditional attire and worshiping Lord Shiva with full devotion and passion. You can also offer marigold flowers and incense sticks to Lord Shiva to enhance his aura and radiance.
Virgo (August 23 – September 22) Maha Shivratri Celebrations
Virgo is an Earth sign associated with Mercury, the planet of communication and intelligence. You can celebrate Shivratri by offering fresh fruits and sweets to Lord Shiva and by performing Havan or Homam to purify your environment. You can also organize a charity drive or charity to serve the underprivileged and spread kindness and compassion.
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Libra (September 23 – October 22) Maha Shivratri Celebrations
Libra is an air sign associated with Venus, the planet of love and beauty. You can celebrate Shivratri by building a beautiful altar or temple for Lord Shiva and offering him fragrant flowers and perfumes. You can also burn camphor or incense to cleanse your space and invoke positivity and harmony.
Scorpio (October 23 – November 21) Maha Shivratri Celebrations
Scorpio is a water sign associated with Mars, the planet of energy and power. You can celebrate Shivratri by offering vermilion powder and honey to Lord Shiva and worshiping him with intense devotion and reverence. You can also chant the Mahamrityunjaya Mantra to ward off negative energy and attract abundance and prosperity.
Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21) Maha Shivaratri Celebrations
Sagittarius – As a fire sign – you are known for your adventurous spirit and your love for travel. On Shivratri, you can celebrate Lord Shiva by making a pilgrimage to a holy temple. You can also meditate on the symbol of the trident, which represents the three aspects of consciousness – waking, dreaming and deep sleep. Offer some sweetened milk to Lord Shiva, which is believed to be his favorite offering.
Capricorn (December 22 – January 19) Maha Shivratri Celebrations
Capricorn is an earth sign and they are known for their hard work and determination. On Shivratri, you can celebrate Lord Shiva by meditating on the snake symbol associated with the Lord. The snake is a symbol of the Kundalini energy, which represents the awakening of your spiritual energy. Chant the mantra ‘Om Namah Shivaya’ to help you connect with Lord Shiva. Offer some sesame seeds and jaggery to the Lord, which is considered to be his favorite prasad.
Kumbh (January 20 – February 18) Maha Shivaratri Celebrations
Aquarius is an air sign and is known for its independent and unconventional nature. On Shivratri, you can celebrate Lord Shiva by meditating on the symbol of the lingam, which represents the union of divine masculine and feminine energies. Chant the mantra ‘Om Namah Shivaya’ to help you connect with Lord Shiva. Offer some blue flowers to the Lord, which is considered his favorite offering.
Pisces (February 19 – March 20) Maha Shivaratri Celebrations
Pisces is a water sign and they are known for their kind and empathetic nature. On Shivratri, you can celebrate Lord Shiva by meditating on the symbol of the lotus, which represents spiritual wisdom and purity. Chant ‘Om Namah Shivay’ to help you connect with Lord Shiva. Offer some milk and honey to the Lord, which is considered to be his favorite offering.
“Celebrating Lord Shiva during Shivratri can be a deeply spiritual and satisfying experience. By including your Rashi in your celebration, you can enhance your connection with God and deepen your spiritual practice. Remember, the most important aspect of the celebration is your intention and devotion to Lord Shiva. So, find the practices that resonate with you and celebrate this auspicious occasion with an open heart and a peaceful mind”, says astrologer Pandit Jagannath Guruji.
(Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are of the expert. Zee News does not endorse it.)