15 फरवरी
Maha Shivratri
The Great Night of Shiva
See all Shiva content →History
Maha Shivratri falls on the Krishna Chaturdashi of Phalgun month. It is believed to mark the night of Lord Shiva's marriage to Goddess Parvati. Another tradition holds that on this night, Shiva drank the poison that emerged from the churning of the cosmic ocean to save creation, turning his throat blue and earning him the name Neelkanth.
Significance
Maha Shivratri is a night devoted to self-restraint, meditation, and the worship of Shiva Tattva — the purest form of consciousness. Devotees observe an all-night vigil, offering water and bael leaves to the Shivling and chanting "Om Namah Shivaya."
Puja Vidhi
Observe a day-long fast. Bathe the Shivling with water, milk, curd, honey, and offer bael leaves. Perform worship through all four praharas (watches) of the night, reciting the Shiv Tandav Stotram or Rudrashtakam. Break the fast the following morning.
Mantra
ॐ नमः शिवाय॥
Om Namah Shivaya॥
This five-syllable mantra means 'I bow to Shiva' and symbolizes purification and union with the consciousness of Shiva.
Muhurat
Worship is offered through all four praharas of the night; the Nishita Kaal (midnight period) is considered especially auspicious. Check the Panchang for exact timings.
Check today's Panchang →Do's & Don'ts
✅ Do
- • Offer bael leaves and water to the Shivling
- • Perform worship through all four praharas of the night
- • Continuously chant "Om Namah Shivaya"
- • Break the fast the next day following proper ritual
❌ Don't
- • Avoid offering turmeric or kumkum to the Shivling
- • Don't offer torn or damaged bael leaves
- • Avoid anger or arguments during the fast
- • Traditionally, water is not offered to Shiva using a conch