Maha Shivaratri Brahmotsavams: A Spiritual Congregation at Lepakshi
Maha Shivaratri, one of the most significant festivals in India, is celebrated with great devotion and enthusiasm, marking the convergence of Shiva and Shakti. The festival, which translates to “the Great Night of Shiva,” is observed on the 13th night and 14th day of the lunar month Phalguna, usually falling in February or March. Among the various celebrations across the country, the Maha Shivaratri Brahmotsavams at Lepakshi in Andhra Pradesh stands out for its grandeur and historical significance.
The Venue: Lepakshi
Lepakshi, a small but significant historical village in the Anantapur district of Andhra Pradesh, is renowned for its architectural marvels and ancient temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, Vishnu, and Veerabhadra. The most notable among these is the Veerabhadra temple, which becomes the epicenter of festivities during Maha Shivaratri. This temple, adorned with intricate carvings and mural paintings of the Vijayanagara period, provides a perfect backdrop for the religious fervor that engulfs the place during the festival.
Brahmotsavams: The Festivities
The Maha Shivaratri Brahmotsavams at Lepakshi are marked by a series of religious rituals and cultural events, attracting devotees from all over the country. The festival spans several days, each filled with various activities such as Rudrabhishekam, a ritual bath of the Shiva Lingam with sacred waters, milk, honey, and other offerings, signifying purification and rejuvenation.
The highlight of the festival is the grand procession of Lord Veerabhadra, the presiding deity of Lepakshi, along with other deities, through the streets of the village. The idols, beautifully adorned and placed on elaborately decorated chariots, offer a spectacular sight. Devotees throng to pull the chariots, considering it a great honor and an act of devotion.
Cultural programs, including classical dance and music performances, plays depicting scenes from Hindu mythology, and spiritual discourses, add color and vibrancy to the festival. The air is filled with chants and hymns, creating an atmosphere of divinity and devotion.
Below are few main events :
- Maha Ganapathi Sudarsana Homam, Gramotsavam, Dwajarohana
- Maha Shivaratri, Deepotsavam, Kalyanotsavam
- Rathotsavam
- Chandi Homam, Mutyala Pallaki
- Vasantotsavam, Dwajavarohanam, Sayanotsavam
Spiritual Significance
Maha Shivaratri is celebrated in honor of Lord Shiva, symbolizing the victory of light over darkness and ignorance. It is believed that worshiping Lord Shiva on this auspicious day, especially at sacred sites like Lepakshi, bestows one with happiness, prosperity, and liberation from the cycle of birth and death. Devotees observe fasts, maintain vigil throughout the night, and offer prayers to Lord Shiva to seek his blessings.
Mahashivaratri Utsavams will begin on March 07
Schedule
March 07 – Maha Ganapathi Sudarsana Homam, Gramotsavam, Dwajarohana
March 08 – Maha Shivaratri, Deepotsavam, Kalyanotsavam
March 09 – Rathotsavam
March 10 – Chandi Homam, Mutyala Pallaki
March 11 – Vasantotsavam, Dwajavarohanam, Sayanotsavam.
The Srisailam Maha Shivaratri Brahmotsavam will be starting on 01 March 2024 and will end on 11 March 2024. The Srisailam Maha Shivaratri will be on 08 Martch 2024. On all these 11 days the Srisailam Maha Shivaratri Brahmotsavam will be conducted and the lord will be taken as an process on the made streets. The pilgrims can book for the Darshan online and also offline.
The exact date of Phalgun Mahashivratri: In the year 2024, Chaturdashi Tithi of Krishna Paksha of Phalgun month will start on March 8, 2024, at 9:57 PM and will end on the next day March 9, 2024, at 6:17 PM.
This time, according to the night puja time, Mahashivratri will be celebrated on March 8 only.
Maha shivratri 2024 Puja Muhurat
Nishita Puja |
Late night from 12:07 AM to 12:56 AM |
Nishita Kaal Puja |
On March 09 from 12:12 AM to 01:01 AM |
Maha Shivratri Char Prahar Puja Timings
Prayers for Mahashivratri |
Date |
Time |
|---|---|---|
First Prahar |
March 8, 2024 |
From 6:25 PM to 9:28 PM |
Second Prahar |
March 8, 2024 |
From 9:28 PM to 12:30 AM |
Third Prahar |
March 9, 2024 |
From 12:30 AM to 3:34 AM |
Fourth Prahar |
March 9, 2024 |
From 3:34 AM to 6:37 AM |
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