Maha Shivaratri, known as “the great night of Lord Shiva”, is an important Hindu festival dedicated to worshiping Lord Shiva. In 2025, Maha Shivaratri will be seen on Wednesday, 26 February. This auspicious day is marked by devotees by devotees who attach various rituals, fasting and overnight veils, who bless Lord Shiva.

Maha Shivaratri 2025: Date and time

According to Drik Panchang, in 2025, Maha Shivaratri falls on 26 February. Chaturdashi Tiththi (fourteenth day) during the Krishna Paksha (Moon’s Waning Charan) begins at 11:08 am on February 26 and ends at 8:54 am. 27 February. Nishita Kaal Puja, which is midnight worship, which is considered highly auspicious, is scheduled from 12:09 pm on February 27 at 12:59 pm. Devotees often make four attacks (time division) of night worship:

first strike: On February 26 from 6:19 pm to 9:26 pm
second assault: 9:26 pm to 12:34 pm on 27 February
Third attack: February 27 at 12:34 pm to 3:41 pm
Fourth attack: 3:41 pm to 6:48 pm on 27 February

The recommendation of Shivratri Parana, which indicates the breaking of fast, is recommended between 6:48 am to 8:54 am on February 27.

Importance of Maha Shivratri

Maha Shivaratri has a deep spiritual significance for devotees. It is believed that it is the night when Lord Shiva performed cosmic dance, Tandwa, which symbolizes creation, protection and destruction. Additionally, many people consider it an anniversary of divine marriage between Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. This festival represents the convergence of Shiva and Shakti, which symbolizes the union of masculine and feminine energy that maintains the universe.

Worship of Maha Shivaratri (Puja Ritual)

Viewing Maha -Shivaratri includes many rituals to honor Lord Shiva:

Fasting (VRAT): Devotees fast a day, avoid food and sometimes water, to cleanse the body and mind. Some fruits and light foods like milk can be consumed.

Abhishekam (ritual bath): Shiva Linga is bathed with holy substances like milk, honey, curd, ghee and water.

Offering bilva leaf: Except for Bilva (hair) on Shiva Linga, it is considered highly auspicious and believed to please Lord Shiva.

Chanting of mantras: AIDS to focus the mind of holy mantras like “Om Namah Shivaya” throughout the night and AIDS to invite divine blessings.

Knight Vigil (Aware): Devotees stay awake all night, sing hymns and praise Lord Shiva, indicate to overcome dark and ignorance.

Meditation and introspection: Being engaged in meditation helps devotees to join Lord Shiva’s divine energy, which promotes spiritual development.

To perform these rituals with honesty and devotion, it is believed that they absorb previous sins and lead to spiritual knowledge.

Fasting rules of Maha Shivaratri

Fasting is a common thing among devotees on Maha Shivaratri. While some inspect a strict fast without consuming any food or water (Neerajla fast), others can participate in mild refreshments like fruits, nuts and milk. Fasting usually breaks the next morning after performing customary rituals and offering prayers. Fasting with dedication is believed to purify the soul and earn the grace of Lord Shiva.

Celebrations across India during Maha Shivratri

Maha Shivaratri is celebrated with great enthusiasm all over India:

Temples: Devotees prayed to the Shiva temples, perform Abhishekam and participate in special priests. The temples are decorated with flowers and lights, creating a divine atmosphere.

Procession: In many regions, the procession, music and dance, characterized by the idols of Lord Shiva, shows the cultural prosperity of the festival.

Community Program: Spiritual discourses, devotional singing, and meditation sessions are held, bringing communities together in the reverence of Lord Shiva.