Maha Shivaratri 2025

Maha Shivaratri is one of the most significant and sacred festivals dedicated to Lord Shiva. While Shivaratri is observed every month on the Chaturdashi (14th day) of the Krishna Paksha (waning phase of the moon), the Shivaratri of the Krishna Paksha in the month of Phalguna (February-March) holds special importance. This particular day is considered especially auspicious and fruitful, known as "Maha Shivaratri."

Importance of Shivaratri as Described in the Skanda Purana

The Skanda Purana highlights the significance of Shivaratri, stating that fasting on this day and witnessing Lord Shiva are rare blessings and highly meritorious. It is said that the opportunity to worship Lord Shankar with Bilva leaves comes only as a result of the accumulated merit of a hundred crore lifetimes.

The Purana further mentions that the spiritual benefits of bathing in the Ganges for ten thousand years are equivalent to the merit gained by offering Bilva leaves to Lord Shankar just once. Observing fasts and performing rituals on this day are said to bestow more spiritual merit than performing a hundred yajnas (sacrificial rituals). Offering even a single Bilva leaf to a Shiva Lingam on Maha Shivaratri grants unparalleled spiritual rewards, which cannot be equaled by any other act in the three worlds.

The Story of Maha Shivaratri

The story of Maha Shivaratri holds great importance in Hindu mythology. It is believed that on this holy night, Lord Shiva performed the Tandava, the cosmic dance of creation, preservation, and destruction. Another story says that this is the night when Lord Shiva married Goddess Parvati, symbolizing the union of Shiva and Shakti. Devotees also believe that worshiping Lord Shiva on this night brings liberation and divine blessings.

Benefits of Celebrating Maha Shivaratri

Participating in Maha Shivaratri rituals brings many spiritual and physical benefits:

• Purification of Negative Energy: Devotional practices cleanse the mind and environment.

• Prosperity in Family: Lord Shiva's blessings bring peace and happiness to the family.

• Destruction of Sins: Worshiping Shiva destroys past sins from many lifetimes.

• Inner Peace: Connecting with divine energy helps achieve calmness and serenity.

• Health Benefits: Fasting on this day detoxifies the body and recharges energy.

• Marital Bliss: It is considered auspicious for both married and unmarried individuals. Unmarried men and women who observe the fast are believed to get favorable and early marriage opportunities.

Maha Shivaratri Muhurat 2025

• Date: Wednesday, 26th February 2025

• Chaturdashi Tithi Begins: 26th February 2025, at 11:09 AM

• Chaturdashi Tithi Ends: 27th February 2025, at 08:55 AM

Puja Muhurat –

• Pradosh Kaal (First Prahar of the Night): 26th February, from 06:00 PM to 09:00 PM

• Triyama Kaal (Second Prahar of the Night): 26th February, from 09:00 PM to 12:00 AM

• Nishitha Kaal (Third Prahar of the Night): 27th February, from 12:00 AM to 03:00 AM

• Ushakaal/Brahma Muhurat (Fourth Prahar of the Night): 27th February, from 03:00 AM to 06:00 AM

• Fast break Time: 27th February, from 06:00 AM to 08:54 AM

Maha Shivaratri Puja Method

Performing Maha Shivaratri Puja with dedication and precision increases its benefits manifold. On this day, Lord Shiva is worshiped in a special way. Following this method helps in gaining Lord Shiva's grace. Below is a step-by-step guide for the puja:

1. Vrat and Daily Rituals

• Have one meal on Trayodashi (13th day).

• Observe a complete fast on Chaturdashi (14th day) and after bathing, go to the Shiva temple.

2. Mandal and Kalash Establishment

• Create a sacred mandal and place a kalash (holy water pitcher) in the center.

• Place idols of Parvati and Shiva on the kalash.

• Offer Bilva leaves, roots, naivedya (food offerings), and Gangajal (holy Ganges water).

3. Night Vigil and Puja

• Perform four different sessions of puja during the night (each prahar or phase).

• Engage in bhajan-kirtan (devotional songs), music, and dance to stay awake during the night.

4. Morning Puja and Havan

• In the early morning, perform puja once again to Lord Shiva.

• Perform a Havan (fire ritual) following the proper procedure.

5. Food for Priests and Donations

• Feed priests and the needy.

• Give donations according to your capacity.

• Offer clothes and ornaments to the priests and ritual performers.

6. Cow Donation to Priests

• Donate a cow along with its calf.

• Place the idol of Lord Shiva, along with the kalash, on the back of a bull and offer it to the priests.

7. Prayer

At the end of the puja, offer this prayer to Lord Shiva:

Prayer:

"Devadev Mahadev, Sharanagatvatsal,

Vratena Anena Devesh Kripam Kuru Mamopari.

Maya Bhakti Anusareṇa Vratametat Kṛtam Shiva,

Nyunaṁ Sampurṇataṁ Yatu Prasadat Tava Shankar.

Ajnanadya-di va Jnanaj Japa Pujadikam

Kṛtaṁ Tadastu Kripaya Saphalaṁ Tava Shankar."

8. Flower Offering and Conclusion

• Offer flower petals to Lord Shiva.

• End the puja with salutations and prayers.

Popular Shiva Mantras for Maha Shivaratri

• Mahamrityunjay Mantra: A powerful chant for health and protection.

• Shiva Panchakshari Mantra: This five-syllable mantra represents the five elements of creation, which are essential for life.

Maha Shivaratri Fasting

Fasting on Maha Shivaratri is considered very auspicious. Devotees either avoid food and water or follow a strict sattvic diet:

• Eat fruits, nuts, and dairy products.

• Avoid grains, lentils, and non-vegetarian food.

• Spend the day in prayer, chanting, and meditation.

Fasting not only detoxifies the body but also aligns the mind and soul with divine energy.

Maha Shivaratri Prasad

The best and simplest way to please Lord Shiva on Maha Shivaratri is by offering him food with love and devotion. On this day, devotees offer special dishes and sweets that are loved by Lord Shiva. Here are some of the offerings made with reverence:

1. Kheer: A sweet dish made from rice and fox nuts.

2. Panjeri: Made from roasted flour, nuts, and sugar.

3. Barfi: Pure khoya (milk solids) barfi made at home.

4. Panchamrit: A mixture of milk, yogurt, ghee, honey, and sugar.

5. Halwa: A sacred dish made from semolina, gram flour, or wheat flour.

Ingredients for Prasad:

• Dry fruits

• Jaggery

• Milk and milk-based sweets

• Honey

• Ghee

Special Dishes for Maha Shivaratri Fasting

Devotees who fast usually consume simple, sattvic food like:

• Sabudana Kheer

• Sweet potatoes (Shakarkand)

• Fruits and nuts

• Coconut water

• Milk-based dishes

These foods help maintain energy throughout the day and are in harmony with the spiritual nature of the festival.

What to Do and What Not to Do on Maha Shivaratri?

What to Do:

• Observe the fast with devotion and faith.

• Stay awake and meditate throughout the night.

• Offer Bilva leaves on the Shiva Lingam, which is considered highly auspicious.

• Chant mantras and focus your mind on Lord Shiva's different forms, fully surrendering to him.

What Not to Do:

• Avoid consuming non-vegetarian food, alcohol, and other tamasic substances.

• Stay away from negative or harmful thoughts to maintain mental peace.

• Do not neglect cleanliness and discipline during rituals.

Duration of Puja

Maha Shivaratri puja is traditionally performed in four phases throughout the night. Each phase has its own significance, and performing puja during all four phases with proper rituals attracts Lord Shiva's blessings. The practice of devotion during these four phases brings happiness, peace, and positive energy into the devotee's life.

1. Why Do We Fast on Shivaratri?

Fasting on Maha Shivaratri has both religious and scientific significance. According to mythology, this is the day when Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva got married. Goddess Parvati pleased Lord Shiva through intense penance and fasting. Following this tradition, devotees fast to please Lord Shiva and seek his blessings.

From a scientific point of view, fasting detoxifies the body, improves health, and brings peace to the mind. It helps in creating spiritual harmony between the soul and the mind.

2. Who is Shiva in Hinduism?

In Hinduism, Shiva is considered the "destroyer" in the holy trinity (Brahma, Vishnu, Mahesh). Lord Shiva is the destroyer and restorer of the universe. He is also called "Mahadev," meaning the greatest of gods. Shiva is formless and infinite.

Shiva is not only the god of destruction but also the symbol of yoga, meditation, renunciation, and spiritual knowledge. He is called "Bholenath," reflecting his simple and kind nature. He fulfills the wishes of his devotees simply by their devotion. His worship and meditation are done not only to achieve material comfort but also for inner peace and liberation.

3. In Which Forms is Shiva Represented?

Shiva is represented in different forms, such as:

• Nataraj: The cosmic dancer.

• Ardhanarishvara: Half man, half woman, symbolizing the union of Shiva and Shakti.

• Lingam: The formless representation of Shiva.

4. Who Are the Members of Shiva's Family?

The members of Lord Shiva's family include:

• Parvati: His Ardhagini.

• Ganesha: His son, the remover of obstacles.

• Kartikeya: His son, the god of war.

• Nandi: His vehicle, symbolizing dharma.

5. What is Shiva’s Vehicle and How is He Worshiped?

Shiva's vehicle is Nandi, a sacred bull, which symbolizes dharma and devotion. Nandi is not worshiped separately but is included in the worship of Lord Shiva along with his family.

The statue of Nandi, placed in front of the Shiva Lingam, holds special importance for devotees. All sacred offerings to Shiva, such as water, Bilva leaves, Datura, and prasad, are also offered to Nandi. Nandi is considered a symbol of deep devotion and service to Lord Shiva. His presence inspires devotees to follow the path of meditation, devotion, and righteousness.

6. Importance of Shiva's Third Eye.

Shiva's third eye symbolizes Tamas (the quality of destruction), which represents knowledge and insight. It signifies the destruction of evil and ignorance, paving the way for spiritual wisdom and clarity.

7. How to Perform Mahashivratri Puja at Home?

To perform Mahashivratri Puja at home:

1. Set up an altar for Lord Shiva.

2. Follow your traditional rituals for worship.

3. Perform Abhishek with milk, water, honey, etc.

4. Offer Bel leaves, fruits, and flowers to Lord Shiva.

5. Chant mantras and meditate on Lord Shiva’s various forms.

8. Mahashivratri Puja Timings in 2025

Mahashivratri Puja Timings in 2025

Puja Muhurat –

• Pradosh Kaal (First Prahar of the Night): 26th February, from 06:00 PM to 09:00 PM

• Triyama Kaal (Second Prahar of the Night): 26th February, from 09:00 PM to 12:00 AM

• Nishitha Kaal (Third Prahar of the Night): 27th February, from 12:00 AM to 03:00 AM

• Ushakaal/Brahma Muhurat (Fourth Prahar of the Night): 27th February, from 03:00 AM to 06:00 AM

• Fast Broken Time: 27th February, from 06:00 AM to 08:54 AM

9. How Many Times is Puja Performed on Shivratri?

Traditionally, on the night of Mahashivratri, the puja is performed in four watches (segments) – 1. Pradosh Kaal (First watch of the night), 2. Triyama Kaal (Second watch of the night), 3. Nishith Kaal (Third watch of the night), and 4. Ushakaal/Brahma Muhurta (Fourth watch of the night).

10. Flowers to Offer to Lord Shiva

The most auspicious flowers to offer to Lord Shiva are:

• Bel leaves

• Aparajita

• Datura

• Madar

• Shami flowers