Mahashivratri celebrated on the Chaturdashi of Krishna Paksha of Phalgun month is of great importance. Worshiping Shankar Ji and Mata Parvati on this day pleases them and all sorrows are removed. On this occasion, women keep a Nirjala fast to make their married life happy.
Auspicious time of worship: Mahashivratri Puja Shubh Muhurat
Worship in Nishita Kaal on Mahashivratri has special significance. This year the auspicious time of Nishita Puja will be from 12:09 pm to 12:59 pm. This time is considered very auspicious from the point of view of Tantra, Mantra and Siddhi.
Mahashivratri 2025 Date
The festival of Mahashivratri is celebrated on the Chaturdashi date of Krishna Paksha of Phalgun month. Chaturdashi date of Krishna Paksha of Phalgun month will start tomorrow i.e. on 26 February at 11:08 am and will end on 27 February at 08:54 am.
Auspicious Yogas on Mahashivratri 2025
This time on Mahashivratri, Budhaditya Yoga, Malavya Rajyoga and Trigrahi Yoga are being formed. Venus, the giver of wealth, will be in its exalted sign Pisces. By worshiping Shiva in these auspicious yogas, all the wishes of the devotees will be fulfilled.
Maha Shivratri 2025 Shubh Muhurat
According to the Drik Panchang, here are the auspicious times to remember during Shivaratri:
Chaturdashi Tithi Begins – February 26, 11:08 am
Chaturdashi Tithi Ends – February 27, 8:54 am
Nishita Kaal Puja Time – 12:09 am to 12:59 am, February 27
Shivratri Parana (Breaking the Fast) Time – 6:48 am to 8:54 am
Ratri Pratham Prahar Puja Time – 6:19 pm to 9:26 pm
Ratri Dwitiya Prahar Puja Time – 9:26 pm to 12:34 pm, February 27
Ratri Tritiya Prahar Puja Time – 12:34 am to 3:41 am, February 27
Ratri Chaturthi Prahar Puja Time – 3:41 am to 6:48 am February 27
Meanwhile, during Shivaratri, devotees observe a strict Nirjala Vrat (fasting without water) to show their commitment, self-restraint and devotion. They also chant ‘Om Namah Shivaya’, sing religious hymns to honour Lord Shiva, visit temples, make offerings to Lord Shiva and Maa Parvati and seek blessings of the God and Goddess. Devotees also bathe the Shiva Lingam with water, milk, honey, curd and ghee.
History of Mahashivratri
Mahashivratri symbolizes victory over darkness and ignorance, encouraging spiritual awakening and self-reflection. According to one legend, Mahashivratri was the day when Lord Shiva drank poisonous negativity to protect the world. Another legend says that it is the night when Lord Shiva performs the heavenly dance of creation, preservation and destruction, while some believe that it is the night when Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati were married.
Significance of Mahashivratri
The festival reminds one of the impermanence of life and the cyclical nature of existence and encourages devotees to embrace change, break free from attachment and seek inner transformation.
The festival also holds deep spiritual significance for yogis and seekers on the path of self-realisation, as it is believed that on this night the energy centres within the body, known as ‘chakras’, align with cosmic energy, leading to spiritual awakening and enlightenment.
Mahashivratri Rituals
The rituals of Mahashivratri include decorating the Shiva Linga with flowers and bael leaves. Devotees observe a fast throughout the day and offer bhang, fruits, honey, ghee, sweets and milk to Lord Shiva. They take a bath early in the morning before visiting the temple to seek blessings from the deity.
On the evening of Mahashivratri, people gather at the temple and worship the Shiva Linga. Devotees light diyas and spend the entire night at the temple. Many temples across India hold spectacular processions of Lord Shiva and Parvati on palanquins at night.
A light satvik meal is usually taken to end the fast on Mahashivratri. Prasad may include grain-free foods, fruits, and sweets.
Also Read: Shivratri 2024: What to Eat and What Not to Eat When Fasting for the First Time
Mahashivratri Vrat Niyam
On Mahashivratri, devotees follow strict fasting rules, refraining from consuming any food and even water. Some people prefer to observe a partial fast by eating fruits, milk and nuts, while others choose a complete fast lasting the entire day and night.
The fast is traditionally broken the next day after sunrise by having a simple meal consisting of fruits, milk and other vegetarian dishes. Devotees worship Lord Shiva and seek his blessings before having the first meal, which is considered holy and sacred.
Read also: Maha shivratri: See Where Lord Shiva Got Married and More Such Interesting Facts About Him!!
