Har Har Mahadev! It’s that time of the year again when you immerse yourself in devotion towards Lord Shiva on one of the most auspicious nights in the Hindu spiritual calendar – Maha Shivratri. This is a night filled with heartfelt prayers, fasting, and spiritual enlightenment. Devotees believe that observing Maha Shivratri with sincerity brings blessings, spiritual upliftment, and liberation from past sins. This year, Maha Shivratri falls on Wednesday, February 26, 2025.
Why is Maha Shivratri Celebrated?
There are many legends behind the celebration of Maha Shivratri(The Great Night of Shiva). Some believe that Maha Shivratri is the night when Lord Shiva got married to Goddess Parvati. It is also believed to be the night when Lord Shiva performed the cosmic dance of destruction and creation, Tandava. Meanwhile, some others believe it to be the day when Lord Shiva conquered all his enemies, symbolizing the win of good over evil. Ascetics see this as a night of stillness as they believe that this is the day when Lord Shiva became one with Mount Kailasa i.e. became absolutely still. Without further ado, let’s take a look at Maha Shivratri 2025 puja timing, rituals, fasting rules, and ways to honor Shiva on this special night.
Maha Shivratri 2025 Puja Timings
Maha Shivratri 2025 falls on Wednesday, February 26 in India and certain parts of the world. However, the precise puja muhurta or puja timings vary depending on the region you live in. For example, these are the Maha Shivratri date and puja timings in New York, USA:
- Nishita Kaal Puja Time: 11:43 PM February 26 to 12:34 AM, February 27
- Chaturdashi Tithi Begins: 12:38 AM on Feb 26, 2025
- Chaturdashi Tithi Ends: 10:24 PM on Feb 26, 2025
Devotees usually perform Puja throughout the four Prahars(phases) of the night. Here are the timings for each Prahar in New York, USA:
- First Prahar Puja Time – 05:44 PM to 08:56 PM
- Second Prahar Puja Time – 08:56 PM to 12:08 AM, Feb 27
- Third Prahar Puja Time – 12:08 AM to 03:20 AM, Feb 27
- Fourth Prahar Puja Time – 03:20 AM to 06:33 AM, Feb 27
For accurate timings to worship Lord Shiva according to the area you reside in, please check the local panchang(Hindu calendar) or consult a priest.
Maha Shivratri Rituals
Devotees of Lord Shiva usually follow a set of traditional rituals on this sacred night. Here is everything to do on Maha Shivratri:
- Bath and Temple Visit: Begin the day by taking a bath and visiting a nearby Shiva temple. If you can’t go to a temple, you can also pray to any Shivlinga you have at home.
- Perform Abhishek(Sacred Bathing of Shivlinga): Offer milk, water, honey, curd, ghee, sugar, and bel patra(bilva leaves) to the Shivling at the temple or at home.
- Prayers: Chant “Om Namah Shivaya” and recite Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra to get his divine blessings.
- Fasting: If you can, fast throughout the day and night by eating only fruits or having satvik meals.
- Four Prahar Puja: If you’re fasting, it is also advised to perform pujas throughout the night during all four Prahars(phases), following Vedic traditions.
- Offerings to Lord Shiva: Offer fruits, flowers, dhatura, and bel patra, as a form of your devotion to Lord Shiva.
Fasting on Maha Shivratri
Fasting is considered to be an integral part of Maha Shivratri. If you’re planning to fast this Maha Shivratri, here are the different types of fasts you can observe:
- Nirjala Vrat: This is a complete fast observed without having any water.
- Phalahar Vrat: In this type of fasting you can eat fruits and drink milk.
- Partial Fast: You can also observe a partial fast by consuming simple satvik meals without grains and pulses.
You can choose to observe any of these fasts according to your preference, health, and level of experience.
Ways to Celebrate Maha Shivratri
- Night-Long Vigil(Jagran): Stay awake all night, singing bhajans and hymns in praise of Lord Shiva.
- Shiva Temples Darshan: Visit any nearby temple to seek Lord Shiva’s blessings.
- Charitable Acts: Make Lord Shiva happy by offering food, and clothing, or making donations to the needy.
- Listening to Shiva Katha: Join communities and listen to stories about Lord Shiva to learn more about this revered god.
- Watch Stories of Lord Shiva: Watch movies or TV shows around Lord Shiva such as Baal Shiv, Shaktir Sadhanay Bhairav, and other devotional TV shows on ZEE5.
- Meditation and Yoga: Practice meditation and yoga to align your mind with the cosmic energy of Shiva on this auspicious night.
Conclusion
Maha Shivratri is not just a religious event but a deeply spiritual experience. It allows you to connect deeply with Lord Shiva. Whether you plan to fast, simply pray, visit temples, or perform night-long vigils, every ritual gets you closer to Mahadev. As Maha Shivratri 2025 approaches, let us immerse ourselves in devotion and seek Lord Shiva’s eternal grace.
Now that you know what to do on Maha Shivratri, celebrate this festival with all the love and devotion.
Har Har Mahadev!
