Maha Shivaratri 2025: Date, Significance, Rituals & Celebrations
Maha Shivaratri 2025 is a sacred Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Shiva, celebrated with immense devotion across India. This auspicious occasion marks the divine union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati and is observed by fasting, offering prayers, and chanting mantras.
In 2025, Maha Shivaratri falls on Wednesday, February 26, and devotees observe the Nishita Kaal Puja (midnight worship), considered the most powerful time for seeking blessings. The festival is also linked to Samudra Manthan, where Shiva consumed poison to save the universe, earning him the name Neelkantha.
People visit temples, offer Bel Patra, milk, and water to Shiva Lingas, and engage in night-long prayers and meditation. Maha Shivaratri is not just a celebration but a reminder of spiritual awakening, self-discipline, and the triumph of good over evil.
Significance of Maha Shivaratri :
Maha Shivaratri holds deep spiritual and cultural significance for people from all walks of life. It is revered by spiritual seekers, householders, and those with worldly aspirations, each interpreting its meaning in a unique way.
For families, Maha Shivaratri marks the divine wedding of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, symbolizing the union of cosmic energies. Those with ambitions in the material world observe this day as the moment when Shiva triumphed over his enemies, representing the victory of righteousness.
Puja time for Mahashivratri
Maha Shivaratri on Wednesday, February 26, 2025
Nishita Kaal Puja Time – 12:09 AM to 12:59 AM, Feb 27 Duration – 00 Hours 50 Mins
On 27th Feb, Shivaratri Parana Time – 06:48 AM to 08:54 AM
Ratri First Prahar Puja Time – 06:19 PM to 09:26 PM
Ratri Second Prahar Puja Time – 09:26 PM to 12:34 AM, Feb 27
Ratri Third Prahar Puja Time – 12:34 AM to 03:41 AM, Feb 27
Ratri Fourth Prahar Puja Time – 03:41 AM to 06:48 AM, Feb 27
Chaturdashi Tithi Begins – 11:08 AM on Feb 26, 2025
Chaturdashi Tithi Ends – 08:54 AM on Feb 27, 2025
Vrat Vidhi
One day before Shivaratri Vratam, most likely on Trayodashi, devotees should eat only one time. On Shivaratri day, after finishing morning rituals devotees should take Sankalp (संकल्प) to observe full day fast on Shivaratri and to take food next day. During Sankalp devotees pledge for self-determination throughout the fasting period and seek blessing of Lord Shiva to finish the fast without any interference. Hindu fasts are strict and people pledge for self-determination and seek God blessing before starting them to finish them successfully.
On Shivaratri day devotees should take second bath in the evening before doing Shiva Puja or visiting temple. Shiva Puja should be done during night and devotees should break the fast next day after taking bath. Devotees should break the fast between sunrise and before the end of Chaturdashi Tithi to get maximum benefit of the Vrat. According to one contradictory opinion devotees should break the fast only when Chaturdashi Tithi gets over. But it is believed that both Shiva Puja and Parana (पारण) i.e. breaking the fast should be done within Chaturdashi Tithi.
Shivaratri puja can be performed one time or four times during the night. The whole night duration can be divided into four to get four Prahar (प्रहर) to perform Shiva Puja four times. Drikpanchang.com lists all four Prahar durations for staunch Shiva devotees who perform Shiva Pujan four times in the night. We also list Nishita time when Lord Shiva appeared on the Earth in the form of Linga and the time window to break the fast on next day.
Why Do We Celebrate Maha Shivaratri?:
Maha Shivaratri is a sacred festival deeply rooted in Hindu mythology, celebrating the divine acts of Lord Shiva. One of the most widely believed stories is that this day marks the wedding of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, symbolizing the union of Shiva and Shakti. According to legend, after Sati’s self-immolation, Shiva withdrew into deep meditation, and later, Sati was reborn as Parvati, who won his devotion and eventually married him.
Another legend links Maha Shivaratri to Samudra Manthan, the cosmic churning of the ocean, where Lord Shiva consumed a deadly poison to save the universe, turning his throat blue and earning the name “Neelkantha”. Some beliefs also associate this night with Shiva’s Tandava, the cosmic dance of creation and destruction, while others speak of a devotee unknowingly offering Bel tree leaves to a Shiva Linga, earning the deity’s blessings. These stories emphasize devotion, sacrifice, and the triumph of good over evil, making Maha Shivaratri a time of spiritual awakening and reverence for Lord Shiva.
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Conclusion
Maha Shivaratri is a sacred festival that signifies the divine union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. It is the most significant of the twelve Shivratris observed each year and symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness. Devotees observe this day with prayers, fasting, and temple visits, seeking blessings for a prosperous life. Wishing everyone a joyous and blessed Maha Shivaratri!
Frequently Asked Questions
- Mahashivratri 2025 date falls on February 26th, a day for devotees to observe fasting, prayers, and rituals in honour of Lord Shiva.
Maha Shivratri is celebrated to honor Lord Shiva, marking his marriage to Goddess Parvati and his role as a protector of the universe.
The festival is a public holiday in many states of India.
Lord Shiva drank the poison from the ocean during Samudra Manthan to save the world, which turned his throat blue, earning him the name Neelkantha.
