Mahashivratri, the Great Night of Lord Shiva, is celebrated by Hindus all over the world with great energy and passion. In fact, in the past couple years, it is a festival for not just Hindus, but also devotees of Lord Shiva, across religions and borders. Many foreigners can be seen wearing Rudrakash malas, with elaborate locks on their head, praying to Lord Shiva in an attempt to get his blessings.From prayers during the day to the quiet meditation at night, the energy and vibrations of Mahashivratri are simply divine.Mahashivratri date and timings in 2025In 2025, Maha Shivratri will be celebrated on February 26, Wednesday, and the 4 prahars, as mentioned in Drik Panchang are – “Maha Shivaratri on Wednesday, February 26, 2025Nishita Kaal Puja Time – 12:09 AM to 12:59 AM, Feb 27Duration – 00 Hours 50 MinsOn 27th Feb, Shivaratri Parana Time – 06:48 AM to 08:54 AMRatri First Prahar Puja Time – 06:19 PM to 09:26 PM on Feb 26Ratri Second Prahar Puja Time – 09:26 PM on Feb 26 to 12:34 AM, Feb 27Ratri Third Prahar Puja Time – 12:34 AM to 03:41 AM, Feb 27Ratri Fourth Prahar Puja Time – 03:41 AM to 06:48 AM, Feb 27 Chaturdashi Tithi Begins – 11:08 AM on Feb 26, 2025Chaturdashi Tithi Ends – 08:54 AM on Feb 27, 2025”.The history of Mahashivratri There are many legends, lores, and stories associated with Mahashivratri, and they have kept changing overtime. But one of the most popular beliefs is that Mahashivratri is the holy night when Lord Shiva and Maa Parvati got married. After years of meditation and ‘tapasya’, Mahashivratri was the night when Lord Shiva accepted Maa Parvati as his divine consort and they became ShivShakti. Another popular belief about Mahashivratri is that this is the night when Lord Shiva performed the Tandav. Lord Shiva’s cosmic dance of creation, preservation, and destruction, the Tandav was believed to have been performed on this night, and thus devotees chant prayers and sing bhajans throughout the night to honour his cosmic dance.And another belief that has come forward recently is that Mahashivratri is the day when Lord Shiva consumed the Halahal, the poison that came out of the Samudra manthan. It is said that the poison was so powerful that it threatened to destroy the entire universe, and in a selfless act, Lord Shiva consumed the poison to protect creation. However, to prevent it from affecting him, Goddess Parvati held his throat, turning it blue, earning him the name ‘Neelkanth’. The spiritual importance of MahashivratriFor the bhakts of Lord Shiva, Mahashivratri is not just a festival but an experience. It is an experience so pure and powerful that it could overwhelm people, make them shiver and shake, or just carry them to ecstasy. It is also believed that people who observe a fast on this day, Nirjala or the no-grain fast, are blessed by Lord Shiva. Being true to oneself and praying to Lord Shiva with all their hearts helps wash away past sins and leads them towards the path of moksha. Mahashivratri is also the time for deep meditation and so devotees stay awake all night, chanting ‘Om Namah Shivay’ to align themselves with the divine energy.Rituals of MahashivratriThe common rituals of Mahashivratri are the same across the globe and have negligible variations. Devotees of Lord Shiva observe a strict fast, eating only fruits, milk, and water throughout the day, and some even choose to keep a nirjala vrat (fasting without water). Some people also perform Abhishek rituals, which is bathing the Shivling in Panchamrit and other things. For example, there is milk for purity, water for devotion, honey for sweetness in life, curd for good health, ghee for strength, chandan for good behaviour and fortune, sugarcane juice for abundance, and much more. People also chant mantras dedicated to Lord Shiva and go to Shiva temples near their home. During the night meditation, people chant the powerful Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra, which is believed to remove fear, diseases, and obstacles, and some also chant the Mahamrityunjay, the Shiv Tandav stotram, the Lingashtakam, and more. Another tradition is to stay up all night as it is Mahashivratri, the Great night of Shiva. Devotees sit together in silence, meditate, do bhajan kirtan, tell the stories of Lord Shiva, vow to walk on the right path, and much more. And while people prefer staying at home and do their meditation, some also visit temples like Kashi Vishwanath, Somnath, Mahakaleshwar, Baidyanath, and the likes for their divine energies and how much they are associated to Lord Shiva’s energies and how much of his energy can be felt in those temples.Navratri Special: The Significance of Maha NavamiWhen is Mahashivratri?Mahashivratri will be observed on February 26, Wednesday. Is Mahashivratri celebration on 26 or 27?Mahashivratri prahar timing will start on February 26, evening, and will continue till early morning of February 27. Is Shivling Abhishekam done on Mahashivratri?Yes, Lord Shiva is offered milk, water, ghee, curd, honey, sugarcane juice, and more. Is it necessary to stay awake all night on Mahashivratri?Although not a compulsion, devotees prefer to stay awake and meditate all night on Mahashivratri. Should devotees fast on Mahashivratri?Keeping a fast on Mahashivratri is desired but not compulsory for all. Pay your respect and devotion to Lord Shiva in whatever way you can.
When is Maha Shivratri 2025? Date, history, significance, importance, and all you need to know about Maha Shivratri
