Maha Shivratri took place every year in the month of Phalguna of Chaturdasi Tithi during Krishna Paksha according to North India. It is greatest festival of ShivShakti.
This year in 2025 Maha Shivratri falls on February 26.
According to Drik Panchang
- Chaturdashi Tithi Begins at 11:08 am on Feb 26, 2025
- Chaturdashi Tithi Ends at 08:54 am on February 27, 2025
- Nishit Kaal Puja Time: 11:24 pm to 12:10 am
Maha Shivratri Four Prahar Puja Timing
- Ratri First Prahar puja timing: 05:39 pm to 08:44pm
- Ratri Second Prahar puja: 08:44pm to 11:49 pm
- Ratri Third Prahar puja: 11:49 pm to 2:54 am
- Ratri Fourth prahar puja: 2:54 am to 6:00 am Feb 27, 2024
According to Madan Gupter Full Panjika
Chaturdashi Tithi Start: 9:42 am on 26 February, 2025
Chaturdashi Tithi End: 8:31 am on 27 February, 2025
Maha Shivratri 2025 Puja Vidhi
- First Wake Up at early morning clean house and take bath.
- Wear fresh cloth and clean puja area.
- During Maha Shivratri some people will observe a nirjala vrat (without food and water), while others consume fruits and milk.
Sankalp (संकल्प):
- Sit facing east or north.
- Meditate for a few minutes to calm the mind.
- Take water in your right hand, make a vow (sankalp) to observe the fast and perform the puja with devotion.
Shivling Abhishek
First Abhishekam: Bathe the Shivling with clean water or Gangajal.
Panchamrit Abhishekam: Use a mixture of milk, curd, honey, ghee, and sugar.
Other Offerings: Apply sandalwood paste, offer Bel leaves, Datura, white flowers, fruits and sweets.
Chanting Mantras:
“Om Namah Shivaya” – while offering flowers and Bilva leaves.
Recite Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra for health and prosperity:
“ॐ त्र्यम्बकं यजामहे सुगन्धिं पुष्टिवर्धनम्।
उर्वारुकमिव बन्धनान्मृत्योर्मुक्षीय माऽमृतात्॥”
Aarti and Bhajans:
- Light the diya and incense sticks.
- Perform Lord Shiva’s Aarti with devotion. Popular Aartis include “Om Jai Shiv Omkara” and “Shiv Tandav Stotram.”
Maha Shivratri Prahar Puja
Maha Shivratri night is divided into four prahars (प्रहर), each lasting approximately 3 hours. Those who want to observe puja. Performing puja during each prahar is highly auspicious which symbolized the deepening connection with Lord Shiva as the night progresses.
First Prahar Puja Vidhi
- Abhishek: Start with pure water (Gangajal) abhishekam.
- Panchamrit: Bath the Shivling with Panchamrit.
- Offerings: Bel leaves (3 leaves joined together), Datura, white flowers, sandalwood paste.
- Mantra:
“ॐ नमः शिवाय” (Chant 108 times)
Second Prahar Puja Vidhi
- Abhishekam: Use water mixed with honey.
- Offerings: Add yogurt along with Bilva leaves and seasonal fruits.
- Mantra:
“ॐ त्र्यम्बकं यजामहे सुगन्धिं पुष्टिवर्धनम्।
उर्वारुकमिव बन्धनान्मृत्योर्मुक्षीय माऽमृतात्॥”
Third Prahar Puja Vidhi
- Abhishekam: Perform abhishekam with warm milk and rose water.
- Offerings: Apply sandalwood paste, offer rice mixed with turmeric.
- Mantra:
“ॐ महादेवाय नमः”
Fourth Prahar Puja Vidhi
- Abhishekam: Use water, followed by ghee abhishekam.
- Offerings: Fresh Bilva leaves, flowers, fruits, and light a ghee lamp.
- Mantra:
“ॐ शं भो महादेव शंभो”
Breaking the Fast (परायण)
The fast is broken the next morning after offering prayers to Lord Shiva and partaking in prasad.
On 27th February 2025 Maha Shivratri Parana time – 06:00 AM to 08:54 AM
Puja Essential needed during Maha Shivratri
- Shiva Lingam or idol
- Panchamrit (milk, curd, honey, ghee, sugar)
- Bilva (Bel) leaves, Datura flowers, fruits
- Sandalwood paste, rice, incense, lamp, camphor
- Water (preferably Gangajal), fresh flowers
Conclusion: Maha Shivratri Chaturdashi Tithi will start on February 26, 2025 11:08 am and Chaturdashi Tithi Ends at 08:54 am on February 27, 2025. All the prahar timing are given check it.