Maha Shivaratri is a Hindu festival celebrated across India, marking the day of Shiva’s marriage. The festival symbolizes the union of God Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Mahashivaratri is a day when people worship Lord Shiva for peace, spiritual growth, peace, and protection. People observe fasts and rituals with a devotion believed to cleanse one’s soul to attain divine blessings.
Shivaratri is observed on the 14th night of the dark phase of the moon (Krishna Paksha) in the month of Magha on the 26th of February 2025. One of the most fascinating parts of the Maha Shivratri Festival is the night-long vigil at Shiva temples leading to the organizations of Jagrans by devotees. The Night of Maha Shivaratri temples resonates with the chants of Om Namah Shivay. At the same time, men and women sing devotional songs in honor of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati’s marriage anniversary.
Shivaratri 2025 Date & Time
| Festival | Date | Time |
| Maha Shivaratri | 26th February 2025 | 12.09 AM to 27th February |
| Nishita Kaal Puja | 27th February 2025 | 12.09 AM to 12.59 AM |
| Shivaratri Parana | 27th February 2025 | 6.48 AM to 8.54 AM |
Maha Shivratri Prayers Timings Morning Timings:
| Prayer Name | Date | Timing |
| Phalguna Krishna Chaturdashi Tithi | 26th Feb 2025 | 11.08 am |
| Phalguna Krishna Chaturdashi Tithi | 27th Feb 2025 | 8.54 am |
Night Prayer Timings
| Pratham Prahar Puja ( First Prayer) | 27th February 2025 | 6.19 pm to 9.26 pm |
| Dwitiya Prahar Puja ( Second Prayer ) | 27th February 2025 | 9.26 pm to 12.34 am |
| Tritiya Prahar Puja | 27th February 2025 | 12.34 am to 3.41 am |
| Chaturthi Prahar Puja | 27th February 2025 | 3.41 am to 6.48 am |
Maha Shivaratri Festival Importance & Significance
The festival of Maha Shivaratri holds great significance among Hindu festivals and signifies the triumph over darkness and life’s obstacles through fasting and meditation. Unlike other Hindu Festivals which are celebrated during daylight hours, Shivaratri is a festival which is celebrated during the Night Unlike most Hindu festivals celebrated during daylight hours, Shivaratri is a unique festival observed during the night, however, the Maha Shivaratri Puja commences early morning as the devotees began their day with a bath before sunrise by wearing a new attire and make their way to Shiva Temples.
Maha Shivaratri Puja holds exceptional significance for women where they perform puja involving water, milk, and Bel Leaves along with the use of incense sticks while they encircle around Shiva Lingam for three or seven rounds. Puja is performed by pouring milk and offerings of leaves, fruits, and flowers while worshiping with incense sticks.
The Maha Shivarartri Puja incorporates 6 elements and each of these elements symbolizes a unique meaning.
- The application of Vermilion after the bath symbolizes virtue.
- The Burning of Incense sticks is emblematic of wealth.
- Pouring water and milk on Shiva Lingam and offering Bel Leaves significance of the purification of the soul.
- The Lighting of Lamps symbolizes the attainment of wisdom and knowledge.
The Festival of Maha Shivaratri is an auspicious occasion to deepen devotion to Lord Shiva Men, Women by observing the rituals and participating in the celebrations can experience prothe found spiritual significance of this festival to seek the blessing of Lord Shiva to bring peace, prosperity, and enlightenment to their lives.