Mahashivaratri is a very important festival in Hinduism. The night of Shivaratri is known as the “Great Night” of Lord Shiva. On this day, events such as the marriage of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, Lord Shiva’s Tandava dance (symbol of destruction and creation), and his divine appearance in Kashi are commemorated and celebrated. This night is believed to be a very powerful night spiritually. Devotees spend the night without sleeping and worship Lord Shiva through meditation, chanting, and abhishekam.
Mahashivaratri 2025 Date and Exact Time
In 2025, Mahashivaratri will be celebrated on Wednesday, February 26. According to Drik Panchang and astronomical calculations, the Nishita Kala Puja (most important time) is as follows:
- Nishita Kala Puja: February 27, 2025, from 12:09 AM to 12:59 AM (50 minutes).
- Chaturdashi Tithi starts: February 26, 11:08 AM.
- Chaturdashi Tithi ends: February 27, 8:54 AM.
4 Prahar Kala Puja timings:
On Shivaratri, the night should be divided into 4 parts (Praharam) and Abhishekam should be done to the Shivalinga once every 3 hours.
- First Prahar: February 26, 6:19 PM to 9:26 PM.
- Second Prahar: February 26, 9:26 PM to February 27, 12:34 AM.
- Third Prahar: February 27, 12:34 AM to 3:41 AM.
- Fourth Prahar: February 27, 3:41 AM to 6:48 AM.
Spiritual Significance of Mahashivratri
Shiva Puranas say that the past sins of those who fast on this day are erased. Those who stay awake the entire night of Mahashivratri and worship Shiva will get spiritual progress. It is believed that on the night of this day Shiva and Parvati got married in the presence of elders.. If the couple worships on this day, they will get unity in life.
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Mahashivratri Worship Methods
To perform the puja properly, follow these steps:
Morning Rituals
Wake up early in the morning, take a bath in water mixed with Ganga water, and wear white or yellow clothes. Decorate the Shivalinga with flowers, lamps, and deepams.
Abhishekam Materials
Abhishekam can be done with different materials for each brahar:
- First brahar: Abhishekam can be done with honey and milk.
- Second brahar: Abhishekam can be done with curd and butter.
- Third brahar: Abhishekam can be done with sandalwood and Rudraksha beads.
- Fourth brahar: Abhishekam can be done with paneer and vibhuti.
Mantra Chanting
Chant “Om Namah Shivaya” 108 times. Sing the hymns “Om Triyambagam Yajamahe…”.
Night Vigil
Enjoy devotional songs (bhajans), stories of Shiva, and meditation throughout the night.
Mahashivratri Fasting Rules (How to Fast?)
There are many types of Maha Shivratri fasting, each of which is unique, let’s learn about them.
- Fasting should be done without even drinking water (only for healthy people). This is called Nirjala Vratham.
- Fasting should be done by eating only fruits, milk, and honey. This is called Palahara Vratham.
- Fasting should be done by eating only one normal meal in the afternoon. This is called one-time meal fasting.
Important Note: Those who are fasting should not eat meat, alcohol, onions, and garlic. Some traditions recommend a salt-free diet. Avoid anger, jealousy, and fights. Do good deeds like donating food or clothes to the poor.
Special Abhishekams and Their Benefits
Doing milk abhishekam will create peace in the family. Doing honey abhishekam will increase education and wealth. Abhishekam with butter provides protection from diseases. Abhishekam with Bilva leaves is offered to the “three eyes” of Shiva (knowledge, destruction, creation). Abhishekam with Rudraksha beads increases spiritual power. It is believed among Hindus that these benefits are obtained by this abhishekam.
Temples to Visit on Mahashivaratri
- Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Varanasi, where “Ratri Puja” is performed on the night of Mahashivaratri. Abhishekams are performed 24 hours a day.
- Girivalam (lamp-carrying procession) around the “White Mountain” is performed at Arunachaleswarar Temple, Tiruvannamalai.
- Basma (Vibhuti) abhishekam is performed at Mahakaleswar Jyotirlingam, Ujjain.
- Puja is performed by blowing a conch shell in Rameswaram Temple, Tamil Nadu.
Questions and Answers about Maha Shivaratri
1. Can pregnant women observe Maha Shivaratri fast?
Yes, but only Balahara fast is recommended. A doctor’s consultation is necessary for this.
2. What if you cannot stay awake all night?
At least stay awake during the Nishit Kala Puja (12:09 AM to 12:59 AM).
3. What if you don’t have a Shiva Linga at home?
You can make a Shiva Linga with stone or white soil on a copper plate and perform Abhishekam.
Conclusion
Maha Shivaratri is a festival that purifies the soul. Every worship and chant performed on this day will reduce the results of your karmas and provide spiritual wisdom. To receive the blessings of Lord Shiva, follow these guidelines and celebrate Maha Shivaratri in 2025 in a grand manner!