Maha Shivratri
Maha Shivratri is the great sacred night of Lord Shiva celebrating the cosmic dance of Tandava and the divine union of Shiva and Parvati.
Puja Muhurat for Maha Shivratri (2026)
Upcoming Dates Calendar (2025 - 2027)
| Year | Observed Date | Day & Tithi |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2025-02-26 | Phalguna (Chaturdashi, Krishna) |
| 2026 (Current) | 2026-02-15 | Phalguna (Chaturdashi, Krishna) |
| 2027 | 2027-03-06 | Phalguna (Chaturdashi, Krishna) |
Significance & History
Devotees observe continuous day-and-night fasting, perform Abhishek on the Shiva Linga with water, milk, honey, curd, and sugarcane juice, and offer Bilva leaves to overcome worldly attachments.
Step-by-Step Puja Vidhi
- Wake during Brahma Muhurta, take a sacred bath, and take the Vrat Sankalpa.
- Cleanse the Shiva Linga with Ganga jal.
- Perform Panchamrit Abhishek (Milk, Curd, Ghee, Honey, Sugar).
- Offer pure water and sandalwood paste (Chandan tilak).
- Offer intact Bilva leaves (Bel patra) with smooth side facing the Linga.
- Offer Dhatura flower and fruit, Bhasma (sacred ash), and Janeu.
- Light a ghee lamp and incense.
- Chant Om Namah Shivaya 108 times using a Rudraksha mala.
- Recite Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra and Shiv Tandav Stotram.
- Perform Aarti and maintain vigil (Jagran) through Nishita Kaal.
Essential Puja Samagri List
Sacred Mantras for Chanting
Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra
Meaning: We worship the three-eyed Lord Shiva who is fragrant and nourishes all beings. May He liberate us from death and bondage, as a ripe cucumber is severed from its vine, into immortality.
Panchakshari Shiva Mantra
Meaning: I bow with deep reverence to Lord Shiva, the auspicious Supreme Consciousness.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Nishita Kaal and why is it crucial on Shivratri?
Nishita Kaal is the midnight hour (approx 48 minutes around astronomical midnight). According to Shiva Purana, Lord Shiva manifested as the infinite pillar of cosmic light (Jyotirlinga) during Nishita Kaal on this night.