According to Vastu and Jyotish consultant Rajat Singal, Mahashivratri fasting should be observed at midnight of the Chaturdashi Tithi, even if it falls on the preceding day (with Trayodashi included). As per the Narada Samhita, the day, when Falgun Krishna Chaturdashi Tithi coincides with the Yog of midnight, is the most auspicious for observing the Shivaratri fast. According to Jyotish Shastra, Falgun Krishna Chaturdashi Tithi occurs when the Moon is close to the Sun. Hence, during this time, there is a conjunction of life (Moon) with the Sun (Shiva), signifying a yogic union. Performing Shiva puja on this Chaturdashi bestows desired blessings and signifies the mystery of Shivaratri. It is believed that on Mahashivratri, Lord Shiva is present in all Shiva lingams on Earth, thus worshipping Shiva on this day yields manifold benefits. Let’s explore the correct date of Mahashivratri and the auspicious timings and worship methods through the guidance of Vastu and Jyotish consultant Rajat Singal.

According to the Panchang, Mahashivratri will be observed on 8th March this year, coinciding with the Shravan and Dhanishta Nakshatras along with the formation of the Shiv Yog, making this date particularly significant. Falgun Krishna Chaturdashi Tithi begins on the night of 8th March at 09:57 PM and ends on 9th March at 06:17 PM. The Mahashivratri puja muhurat starts at 05:01 AM and is primarily observed during the Pradosh Kaal in the evening. During the intense worship of Mahadev, the Bhadra prevails. Bhadra lasts from 09:58 PM until 08:09 AM the next day. Despite this, the Shiv Yog will still prevail during this time. Special abhishekam are performed on the Shivling with various items on this occasion. Bhadra Kaal receives special attention on this day as worship is considered prohibited during this period.

Mahashivratri Auspicious Timings:   Chaturdashi Tithi: March 08, 09:57 PM – March 09, 06:17 PM Maha Shivaratri Parana Time: March 09, from 06:37 AM  to 03:29 PM Bhadra Kaal:  March 08, from 09:57 PM   to March 09, 06:46 AM

According to astrologer Rajat Singal, here are some important points to keep in mind during Shiv Puja:

•  On the day of Mahashivratri, it’s advisable to take a morning bath, meditate, and then observe fasting.
•  Prepare a beautifully adorned altar with flowers, leaves, and attractive clothes. Place the idols of Gauri Shankar and Nandi Ji on the pedestal, and perform the Shiv Puja with proper rituals.
• Lord Shiva symbolises asceticism and masculinity, so his worship does not use items like turmeric, vermilion, cosmetics, coconut, and beauty products.
•  During the worship of Lord Shankar, avoid playing instruments like karatalas (hand cymbals).
•  When offering water to the Shivling in the temple, remember not to complete the circumambulation (parikrama) around the Shivling; only walk around the area from where the water is poured. The circumambulation should be done in the reverse direction. Pay special attention to this point.
• If possible, refrain from keeping a Shivlinga at home. Instead, visit a temple and offer water to the Shivlinga there.

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According to the horoscope, which Jyotirlinga is best for you?

In Hinduism, there are these amazing places called the twelve Jyotirlingas. People who believe in Hinduism treasure these spots because they’re super special. They’re places where Lord Shiva, one of the main gods, is said to reside in a special form of light.

Now, after folks go on these big pilgrimages to places like Badrinath, Jagannath Puri, Rameshwaram, and Dwarka Ji, they make sure to visit these twelve Jyotirlingas too. It’s like a big adventure for them! One of the most important days for Lord Shiva is Mahashivaratri, which happens in the month of Phalguna. People fast and pray to honour him. And guess what? You don’t have to be a certain type of person to do it – anyone can!

According to astrologer Rajat Singal, he says it’s a good idea for people to visit at least one of these special Jyotirlingas during their lives. It’s like a spiritual journey that adds a lot of meaning and adventure to their lives. 

Which Jyotirlinga is Best for You?

Among the twelve Jyotirlingas, it’s a great idea to worship and visit one during your lifetime if possible. If visiting isn’t feasible, you can always imagine yourself worshipping that Jyotirlinga while performing rituals and prayers in any Shiva temple.

Indian Vedic astrology helps us determine which Jyotirlinga is most beneficial for individuals based on their astrological charts. It’s a simple process:

1. First, determine how many houses ahead the Ascendant lord (Lagnesh) is positioned from the Ascendant. Count the same number of houses forward from the Ascendant or Arudha Lagna. For example, if the native has a Capricorn Ascendant (Makar Lagna) and the lord of the Ascendant, Saturn, is placed in the eleventh house, then the Arudha Lagna will be considered. In this example, the Arudha Lagna would be Virgo because Saturn would be counted eleven houses forward from the Ascendant.
2. Now, write down the three signs from the Arudha Lagna that form a triangle. In the given example, starting from Virgo, list the three signs that form a triangle.
3. Check your birth chart to see which signs are in the centre concerning the Moon. Write down these four signs, including the sign where the Moon is placed.
4. From the Ascendant, write down the three signs forming a triangle, the Moon sign, and the three signs forming a triangle from the Moon sign. Among these seven signs, the sign that appears twice, meaning it is common to both sets, represents your primary Jyotirlinga according to your birth date.

                                               Table of Contents

Zodiac                 signs	Jyotirlinga	Mantra
Aries Taurus Gemini Cancer Leo Virgo Libra Scorpio Sagittarius Capricorn Aquarius Pisces	Rameshwaram Somnath Nageshwar Omkareshwar Vaidyanath Mallikarjun Mahakaleshwar Grishneshwar Vishwanath Bhimashankar Kedarnath Trimbakeshwar	Om Rameshvārāya Jyotirlingāya Namah  Om Somnāthāya Jyotirlingāya Namah   Om Nāgeshvārāya Jyotirlingāya Namah   Om Omkāreshvārāya Jyotirlingāya Namah  Om Vaidyanāthāya Jyotirlingāya Namah   Om Mallikārjunāya Jyotirlingāya Namah   Om Mahākālāya Jyotirlingāya Namah   Om Ghushmeshvārāya Jyotirlingāya Namah  Om Vishwanāthāya Jyotirlingāya Namah   Om Bhīmān Shankarāya Jyotirlingāya Namah  Om Kedārāya Jyotirlingāya Namah   Om Tryambakeshvārāya Jyotirlingāya Namah

According to astrology, here are the things to keep in mind during Shiv puja:

1. Avoid playing Karatal (cymbals) during the worship of Lord Shiva.

2. Complete circumambulation (pradakshina) around the Shiva lingam is not required. 

3. Ensure not to cross the place where water flows out from the lingam during Shiva parikrama, and instead, walk in the opposite direction.

4. Do not offer Tulsi leaves, turmeric, sindoor (vermilion), kutaj, nagkesar, bandhuka (Himalayan peony), malati, champa, jasmine, kund (jasmine), juhi, mallika (jasmine), ketaki (pandanus), and broken rice (khanda akshat) to Lord Shiva.

5. Do not perform puja of two Shiva lingams, two conch shells, two chakrashila (stone discs), two idols of Ganesha, two sun idols, and three idols of Durga at the same time, as it leads to sorrow.

6. Avoid keeping a Shiva lingam at home; instead, make an effort to visit a temple and offer water to the Shiva lingam there.

7. Do not offer coconut water on the Shiva lingam.

8. Lord Shiva is considered a yogi and a symbol of masculinity, so items like turmeric, kumkum, roli, and cosmetics are not used in his worship.

According to astrologer Rajat Singal, this Mahashivratri is very special because, after 300 years, several auspicious combinations are aligning. On this Mahashivratri, four auspicious conjunctions are forming. The day will see the Shravan Nakshatra along with the Moon in the Capricorn sign. Additionally, there will be the Sarvartha Siddhi Yoga and Shiva Yoga as well. It is advisable to observe fasting along with morning bathing and meditation. Prepare a beautiful mandap adorned with flowers and elegant clothes and establish the Kalash on the auspicious Vedika. Alongside, idols of Gauri-Shankar and Nandi made of gold or silver should be placed. If arranging such idols is not feasible, then a Shivling made of pure clay should be considered. Offerings of milk, yoghurt, ghee, honey, lotus petals, datura, bel leaves, etc., should be presented to Lord Shiva during the puja.

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