Mahesh Navami is a Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Shiva, and it is mainly observed by the Maheshwari community. The festival falls on the ninth day of the Shukla Paksha, which is the waxing phase of the moon, in the month of Jyeshta according to the traditional Hindu calendar followed in North India.

Mahesh Navami is also known as Mahesha Jayanti, which signifies the birth anniversary of Lord Shiva, who is referred to as Mahesh. The Maheshwari community believes that their ancestors were saved by Lord Shiva, hence they hold this festival in his honour.

The Maheshwaris are a business community known for their involvement in various commercial and industrial activities. They have their roots in Rajasthan, India, and have spread across different parts of the country and the world. Mahesh Navami holds great significance for the Maheshwari community as they come together to celebrate and offer their prayers to Lord Shiva on this auspicious day.

So, let’s get to know more about the Date, Rituals and Significance of Mahesh Navami 2023.

Mahesh Jayanti 2023: Date and Timings

This year, Mahesh Jayanti falls on Monday, May 29, 2023

• Navami Tithi Starts: 09:56 a.m on May 28, 2023
• Navami Tithi Ends: 11:49 a.m on May 29, 2023

Significance of Mahesh Navami 2023

Mahesh Navami holds significant religious and cultural importance for the Maheshwari community and devotees of Lord Shiva. Here are some key aspects of its significance:

• Celebration of Lord Shiva: Mahesh Navami is dedicated to Lord Shiva, one of the most revered deities in Hinduism. It is an occasion to honor and worship Lord Shiva, who is considered the Supreme Being and the destroyer of evil.
• Formation of the Maheshwari Community: According to legend, Mahesh Navami marks the day when the ancestors of the Maheshwari community were saved by Lord Shiva. The rescued hunters and their families gave up hunting and turned to business, forming the Maheshwari community. Therefore, the festival holds special importance for the community as they celebrate their origins and ancestral connection to Lord Shiva.
• Seeking Blessings and Removal of Obstacles: Devotees observe Mahesh Navami to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva for prosperity, success, and the removal of obstacles in their lives. They offer prayers, perform rituals, and chant mantras to invoke Lord Shiva’s grace and divine blessings.
• Community Bonding and Festive Celebrations: Mahesh Navami is a time for the Maheshwari community to come together, celebrate their shared heritage, and strengthen community bonds. It is marked by various cultural and religious activities, including prayers, processions, bhajans (devotional songs), and cultural performances.

Overall, Mahesh Navami is a significant festival that combines religious devotion, community spirit, and the celebration of Lord Shiva. It holds deep meaning for the Maheshwari community, symbolizing their faith, heritage, and gratitude towards Lord Shiva for their salvation and the formation of their community.

Also Read: Importance of Lord Shiva Puja – Rudrabhishek Puja During Sawan 2023

Legend Behind Mahesh Navami 2023

According to legend, there was a village near Jaipur in Rajasthan where more than 50 men went on a hunting expedition with the Royal party. Unknowingly, they ventured into an ashram, disturbing its tranquility and peace. The sages residing there, angered by the intrusion, cursed the hunters and turned them into stone statues.

Devastated by the fate of their husbands, the wives of the hunters fervently prayed to Lord Shiva, seeking the removal of the curse. Moved by their prayers, Lord Shiva agreed to rescue the hunters on one condition: they must renounce hunting and engage in a different occupation, such as business. The women agreed wholeheartedly, and as a result, all the men were freed from their stone forms.

Following their rescue, the hunters and their families embraced the path of business, completely abandoning hunting. They named their community the Maheshwari community, as a tribute to Lord Shiva, who is also known as Mahesh.

The Maheshwaris, descendants of the rescued hunters, hold a deep reverence for Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Mahesh Jayanti is considered the day when the Maheshwari Community was formed, commemorating their ancestors’ transformation and the shift in their way of life from hunting to business. This day serves as a reminder of their faith in Lord Shiva and the significance of embracing a new vocation.

Now, let’s find out what are the puja rituals to be followed on Mahesh Navami.

Also Find: How to Perform Lord Shiva Puja Rituals for Long Life?

Mahesh Navami/Jayanti – Puja Rituals

There are certain rituals and remedies to be followed on Mahesh Jayanti to seek Lord Shiva’s blessings and attract health, wealth and happiness.

• On the day of Mahesh Navami, face the east direction and offer a Bilva leaf to the Shiva Linga. Chant the mantra ‘Om Maheshvaraya Namah’ 108 times and after each mantra, offer water to the Shiva Linga. It is believed that Lord Shiva becomes extremely pleased with this and fulfills the desires of the devotee.
• If someone is troubled by a serious illness, on the day of Mahesh Navami, establish a Rudra Yantra in the home temple and after performing its worship, chant the Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra. It is said that this keeps diseases away from the vicinity of the house as well.
• On Mahesh Navami, offer Dhatura (thorn apple) to Lord Shiva and chant the following mantra: ‘Im Ksham Mam Aum Am’. It is believed that this remedy provides relief from the malefic effects of Saturn’s planetary period (Shani Mahadasha) for those individuals who are currently undergoing it.

Also Read: Shani Grah Shanti Puja and Its Benefits

• Lord Shiva greatly favours the flowers of Harshringar (Parijat). It is believed that adorning Lord Shiva with garlands made of Harshringar flowers on Mahesh Navami brings an increase in wealth and prosperity.
• If despite hard work, success is not being achieved, and obstacles are arising in employment, then on the day of Mahesh Navami, donate ten things: water, grains, fruits, clothing, worship materials, ghee, salt, oil, sugar, and gold. It is said that this leads to the attainment of good fortune, wealth, and abundance.

Check out various Online Puja and services provided by DevDarshan here and get your bookings done in one click. If you want to know more about Indian culture, Indian Temples, Pujas and festivals, then download the DevDarshan App. Don’t forget to share this blog if you liked.