Maha Shivaratri is one of the most celebrated Hindu festivals. On this day, Lord Shiva devotees perform elaborate rituals, observe a fast, and meditate on the Shiva mantras to honor him. Maha Shivaratri is a religious festival that offers a spiritual experience that helps people connect to the Divine and the self.
Maha Shivaratri 2025: Date And Timings
Maha Shivaratri falls on the 26th of February, 2025 on Wednesday. According to the Hindu calendar, it is held on the 14th day of Krishna Paksha in Phalguna month. This day is extremely significant as the powerful cosmic energies converge. The festival begins at 11:08 AM on 25th February and ends at 8:54 AM on 27th February. The Nishita Kaal Pooja is between 12:09 AM and 12:59 AM on 27th February. Note that the midnight Puja time (Nishita Kaal Pooja) is deemed the best time to perform prayers as it is believed that Lord Shiva came to earth in Lingam form at this time.
Significance Of Maha Shivaratri
Maha Shivaratri festival is an important festival for Shaivaites. It is associated with many important events linked to Lord Shiva. Some say that on this day, Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva got married after many years of austerity. This Divine union represents the balance of the universe’s feminine and masculine energies.
Another section of people believe that on the day of Maha Shivatri, Lord Shiva performed the powerful dance Tandava, representing the cycle of life and death (creation and destruction). Additionally, some legends indicate that on this day, Shiva drank Halahala (a poisonous liquid from the Samudra Manthan), retained in his throat, got injured because of it, and turned blue and got him the name Neelkantha. Scientifically speaking, Maha Shivaratri is also hailed as an important day because of the unique planetary alignment, which is believed to boost spiritual energy, making prayers and meditation powerful.
Rituals On Maha Shivaratri
Fasting on this day is considered auspicious to purify the mind and body. Follow the below Maha Shivaratri Vidhi to make the most of this day:
● Start your day by waking early and taking a holy bath. Wear clean white clothes.
● Clean the pooja altar, the idols of Parvati and Shiva, and all the other pooja items.
● Perform Abhishekam of Shiva linga using milk, honey, water, and bel leaves.
● Recite Shiva Stuti (prayers) and aarti at the end. You can also meditate on Maha Mrityunjaya and Gayatri Mantra to seek Shiva’s blessings.
● After doing the morning rituals, observe a fast for the entire day and consume food the following day.
● Visit a Shiva Temple and engage in devotional songs and prayers.
● If possible, do Jagran by staying awake the whole night.
● Break the fast the next morning before the Chaturdashi tithi ends.
Benefits Of Keeping Maha Shivaratri Vrat
Fasting is said to cleanse the mind and body and also bring health and spiritual benefits like:
● Increased focus
● Emotional balance
● Mind and body detox
● Boost overall health
Maha Shivaratri is an auspicious day to connect with the Divine. Rituals and prayers on this day are said to bring prosperity, peace, and blessings. So immerse yourself in it and celebrate it to attain inner peace, light, and harmony.
0 Comments