Maha Shivaratri

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Maha Shivaratri

About Maha Shivaratri

Maha Shivaratri is the most sacred night of devotion dedicated to Lord Shiva, the Great Lord of Transformation. It marks the divine cosmic dance (Tandava) of Shiva and Shakti, as well as the holy union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.

In Vedic tradition, Shivaratri signifies the victory of spiritual light over worldly darkness. Devotees observe night-long vigils (Jagaran), strict fasting, and offer sacred Bilva (Bael) leaves and Abhishekam onto the Shiva Linga to awaken divine consciousness.

Vrat Vidhi & Fasting Rules

Maha Shivaratri fasting is observed with deep devotion, mental purity, and intense spiritual discipline.

Step-by-Step Fasting Procedures:

One day before Shivaratri (Trayodashi), devotees eat only one satvik meal during the daytime.
On Shivaratri morning, devotees take an early bath and recite the Sankalp (pledge) to observe a full-day and full-night fast.
Shiva Puja is performed during the night, either during Nishita Kaal or four times across the four Prahar (watch) windows.
The fast is broken the following day (Parana) after taking a morning bath, between sunrise and the end of Chaturdashi Tithi.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Why is Shiva Puja performed during Nishita Kaal?

Nishita Kaal is the midnight time window when Lord Shiva manifested on Earth in the infinite cosmic form of Lingodbhava. Performing Puja during this time brings supreme spiritual peace.

Note: All timings are represented in 24-hour notation in local time of the selected location with DST adjustment (if applicable).

Hours which are past midnight are suffixed with next day date. In Panchang, a day starts and ends with local sunrise.