Maha Shivratri 2025 date: All you need to know about Shivratri, the sacred Hindu festival

Mahashivratri 2025 date & timings: Maha Shivaratri is a significant Hindu festival celebrated in honour of Lord Shiva. It is known as "The Night of Shiva" and is observed with great devotion across India. This auspicious day marks the divine marriage of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. It falls on the 14th night of the new moon in the Hindu month of Phalgun, which corresponds to February or March in the English calendar.

Maha Shivaratri 2025 Date

In 2025, Maha Shivratri will be celebrated on Wednesday, February 26. Devotees across India and other parts of the world will observe fasts, perform rituals, and participate in temple vigils to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva.

Maha Shvratri 2025 auspicious timings:

Significance of Maha Shivaratri

Maha Shivaratri symbolises the triumph over darkness and ignorance through devotion, fasting, and meditation. It is believed that on this night, spiritual energies in the universe are at their peak, making it an ideal time for self-reflection and worship. Unlike other Hindu festivals, which are often celebrated during the day, Maha Shivaratri is uniquely observed at night.

Legends Associated with Maha Shivaratri

There are several legends associated with Mahashivratri, which highlight its religious importance:

• The Divine Dance of Lord Shiva: According to Hindu mythology, Lord Shiva performed the cosmic dance, known as 'Tandava,' on this night, symbolising creation, preservation, and destruction.
• The Marriage of Shiva and Parvati: Maha Shivaratri marks the divine wedding of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, making it an important festival for married couples and unmarried women seeking a good life partner.
• The Hunter’s Salvation: As per the Garuda Purana, a hunter unknowingly worshipped a Shiva Lingam while resting under a Bilva tree, leading to his spiritual liberation.

Maha Shivaratri Rituals and Traditions

Devotees follow various sacred rituals on Maha Shivaratri to seek Lord Shiva’s blessings:

• Fasting and Meditation: Many devotees observe a strict fast throughout the day and night, consuming only fruits and water while chanting Shiva mantras.
• Shiva Lingam Abhishek: The Shiva Lingam is bathed with water, milk, honey, and offerings of Bel leaves, which are considered sacred.
• Temple Visits: Devotees visit Shiva temples, light incense sticks, and offer flowers and fruits.
• Night-long Vigil: People stay awake throughout the night, participating in 'Jaagrans' (night vigils) and chanting "Om Namah Shivaya."
• Circumambulation of the Lingam: Devotees walk around the Shiva Lingam either three or seven times as a mark of respect.

Regional Celebrations of Maha Shivaratri

Maha Shivaratri is celebrated in diverse ways across different regions of India:

• Tamil Nadu: The Annamalai temple in Tamil Nadu witnesses thousands of devotees performing the 14-kilometre barefoot ‘Girivalam’ (circumambulation) around the temple.
• Himachal Pradesh (Mandi Fair): The town of Mandi hosts a grand fair where devotees gather to honour Lord Shiva.
• West Bengal: Unmarried women visit Tarakeswar, a sacred site, to pray for a suitable life partner.
• Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh: Devotees take a holy dip in the Ganges before offering prayers at the Kashi Vishwanath Temple.

Symbolism Behind Maha Shivaratri Rituals

Each ritual of Maha Shivaratri has a deeper spiritual meaning:

• Bathing the Shiva Lingam: Represents the purification of the soul.
• Applying Vermilion: Symbolises virtue and marital bliss.
• Offering Fruits: Signifies longevity and the fulfilment of desires.
• Burning Incense Sticks: Represents wealth and prosperity.
• Lighting of Lamps: Denotes wisdom and knowledge.
• Betel Leaves Offering: Symbolises contentment in life.

Devotees can offer these 10 items to please Lord Shiva on Maha Shivaratri 2025:

• Water: Offering water to Lord Shiva promotes calmness in life. It is especially beneficial for those suffering from fever and high blood pressure.
• Milk: The offering of milk is believed to bring prosperity and alleviate various health-related problems and diseases.
• Curd: Offering curd to Lord Shiva is thought to bring prosperity, beauty, and luxuries into one's life.
• Sugar: The offering of sugar is said to resolve disputes within families and foster togetherness.
• Honey: Offering honey is believed to increase happiness and remove enemies from one's life.
• Ghee: The offering of ghee is associated with improved concentration, enhanced memory power, and increased confidence.
• Bel Patra: Bel Patra is considered Lord Shiva's favorite. Writing the name of Lord 'Ram' on bel patra and offering it is believed to bless devotees with long life.
• Dhatura: Dhatura, a flowering plant with medicinal properties, is another sacred offering to Lord Shiva. Devotees believe that presenting dhatura symbolises the surrender of one's ego and the acceptance of divine wisdom. However, it is crucial to handle this offering with caution, as certain parts of the plant can be toxic.
• Akshat: Akshat represents purity and sustenance. Offering akshat to Lord Shiva symbolises the devotee's gratitude for the blessings of life and sustenance. This simple yet significant offering serves as a token of devotion and humility.
• Shami Leaves: Shami leaves, renowned for their resilience and endurance, are offered to Lord Shiva during worship. Devotees believe that presenting shami leaves symbolises the victory of good over evil and the triumph of devotion over challenges.
• Bhaang: Bhaang is considered a beloved offering to Lord Shiva. Offering bhang leaves or paste onto the shivalingam is believed to dispel negativity and evil influences.
• Itra/Scent: Offering scent is believed to bring love and positive relationships into one's life. It is recommended for those facing relationship and marriage-related problems.
• Sandalwood Paste: Holy scriptures suggest that Lord Shiva dearly loves sandalwood. Offering sandalwood paste is believed to cool down his rage and anger, making one's personality attractive and earning respect in society. It also helps in removing negativity.

Special Maha Shivratri Puja Samagri List 2025

The fourteenth day of the lunar month, known as Chaturdashi Tithi, occurring during the Krishna Paksha (waning or darker phase of the lunar fortnight) in the month of Phalguna (Purnimant calendar) or Magha (Amavasyant calendar) holds immense importance for devotees of Lord Shiva. On this auspicious day, devotees observe a day-long fast, practice celibacy, and engage in worship either during Nishita Kaal or across all four Prahars. Check out the Maha Shivratri date and puja shubh muhurat. Ahead of Maha Shivratri, check out the list of items or samagri would need for performing the puja and rituals. Here's the list for you:

Shivratri 2025 Puja Samagri list

Here is a list of items needed for the puja:

1. Wooden chowki (platform for placing the Shiva Linga or the metallic idol of Lord Shiva).

2. Shiva Linga or an idol made of Pancha Dhatu or an image of Lord Shiva.

3. Oil lamp.

4. Sesame oil, mustard oil, or ghee for the lamp.

5. Matchbox.

6. Cotton wicks.

7. Water for various rituals.

8. Gangajal for cleansing the puja area.

9. Pushpam (flowers, white crown flowers, roses, Rajnigandha, or any other flower). You may offer all or any one of these flowers.

10. Dhoop (Incense sticks/ Agarbatti and Dhoop).

11. Naivedhya (vegetarian food preparations without onion and garlic).

12. Fruits (five or more varieties of fruits and banana). You may even offer one fruit.

13. Vilva (Bel patra). This is one of the most important offerings.

14. Dry fruits - dried dates and other dry fruits (optional).

15. Tamboolam - consisting of paan, supari, dakshina, and one brown coconut with husk broken into two.

16. Chandan (sandalwood paste).

17. Akshat (raw rice mixed with turmeric).

18. Vibhuti (sacred ash).

19. Panch Patra (silver, brass, or copper) for performing puja and Achamaniya. Avoid steel.

21. Shami leaves, renowned for their resilience and endurance, are offered to Lord Shiva during worship.

22. Bhaang is considered a beloved offering to Lord Shiva. Offering bhang leaves or paste onto the shivalingam is believed to dispel negativity and evil influences.

23. Dhatura, a flowering plant with medicinal properties, is another sacred offering to Lord Shiva.?

24. Trays for arranging all the offerings

25. Janeu (sacred thread)

26. Kalava

27. Gulal

28. Three fresh unused pieces of cloth (preferably white) - one for covering the chowki, one for offering Vastra to Lord Shiva, and the last one for wiping the idol after Abhishek.

29. Panchamrit (optional). For this, you would need a banana, honey, mishri (sugar crystals), ghee, raisins.

30. For Abhishek - Gangajal, water, honey, ghee, milk, and curd. You can perform Abhishek only if you are using a Shiva Linga or an idol of Lord Shiva.

31. Camphor for aarti.

Note: Feel free to include additional items based on your preferences and needs.

Happy Mahashivratri wishes, quotes, and messages in English

• Wishing everyone a joyful Sawan Shivratri. May Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati guide you towards the righteous path.
• Wishing a very Happy Sawan Shivratri to everyone. May Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati are always there to bless you and show you the right path in life.
• Kaal is also you, Mahakal is also you, you are the people and you are the truth, happy Mahashivratri 2025
• Sending warm wishes to all on Shivratri. May this auspicious occasion fill your life with everlasting happiness and bliss.
• On Sawan Shivratri, may all your aspirations materialize, and may Lord Shiva shower you with His love.
• Om Namah Shivay! Wishing you a blessed and joyous Shivratri, dear. May Lord Shiva accompany you throughout this journey called life.
• The occasion of Shivratri reminds us all that Lord Shiva is always there to protect us and guide us through the challenges of life.

Maha Shivaratri 2025 is a powerful occasion for spiritual awakening and devotion. Whether through fasting, chanting, or temple visits, devotees seek blessings for peace, prosperity, and enlightenment. The festival’s deep-rooted significance and diverse celebrations make it one of the most revered Hindu festivals. As we approach Maha Shivaratri 2025, let us embrace its divine essence and honour Lord Shiva with true devotion and sincerity.

Maha Shivratri 2025 FAQs

When is Maha Shivratri?

In 2025, Mahashivratri or Maha Shivratri will be celebrated on February 26, 2025 (Wednesday).

Why is Maha Shivratri celebrated?

Maha Shivratri is a Hindu festival celebrated annually to honor Lord Shiva, one of the principal deities in Hinduism. It is believed that on this day, Lord Shiva performed the Tandava dance, which symbolizes creation, preservation, and destruction. The festival is celebrated on the 14th night of the Hindu month of Phalguna or Maagha, which usually falls in February or March. It is observed by fasting, performing puja (worship) of Lord Shiva, and chanting his mantras.

Can we sleep during the Day on Shivaratri?

Shivaratri is traditionally observed as a night of fasting and vigil, during which devotees stay awake and engage in prayers, meditation, and other spiritual practices. Therefore, it is generally not recommended to sleep on Shivaratri night.

What is the favourite foods of Lord Shiva?

As per Mythology Lord Shiva's favourite food is Kand-Mool and he also likes bhang, dhatura, milk, thandai, and sweets white in colour.

(Note: Dates/timings may be subject to change; details mentioned here are as per the information available.)

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