Mahashivratri 2025 fasting rules: Dos & don'ts everyone must follow on Shivartri

Mahashivratri dos & don¡¯ts: Maha Shivratri is one of the most spiritual nights for Hindus around the world, especially for those devoted to Lord Shiva. This sacred festival will be observed on Wednesday, February 26, 2025. From the northern valleys of Kashmir to the southern temples of Tamil Nadu, people celebrate it with unique customs and strong devotion.

Among all the monthly Shivratris, Mahashivratri is the most important. It is believed that fasting and following the right rituals on this day bring blessings and spiritual growth. If you are planning to take part in the celebrations, here¡¯s a simple guide to what you should and shouldn¡¯t do.

? Things to Do on Maha Shivratri 2025

? Wake up early, preferably during Brahma Muhurat (around two hours before sunrise).

? Start your day with meditation (Dhyana) and take a pledge (Sankalpa) to observe the fast with full devotion.

? Take a bath and wear clean clothes, ideally white.

? Follow celibacy (Brahmacharya) for the day.

? Observe fasting, but if you have health issues or are on medication, consult a doctor before skipping meals.

? Chant "Om Namah Shivaya" as many times as possible.

? Perform Abhishek (ritual bathing of the Shiva Linga) using water or raw milk. You can also offer ghee, honey, curd, and sacred Bilva (Bel Patra) leaves.

? Offer Datura flowers and white crown flowers to Lord Shiva.

? Use sandalwood (Chandan) paste instead of turmeric.

? Perform puja and prayers during Nishita Kaal (midnight) or at any of the four prahars (time divisions of the night).

? If fasting, consume fruits, milk, and simple vrat-friendly foods.

Happy Mahashivratri wishes & quotes

? Things to Avoid on Maha Shivratri

? Do not eat wheat, rice, or pulses in any form. Spicy and oily foods should also be avoided.

? Avoid non-vegetarian food, onion, and garlic.

? Say no to alcohol and tobacco.

? Do not pour coconut water on the Shiva Linga.

? Avoid applying vermillion (sindoor/kumkum) on the Shiva Linga.

? Do not offer Ketaki flowers, as they are not considered suitable for Lord Shiva.

? Use only brass, copper, or silver utensils for puja¡ªavoid steel containers.

? Do not wear black clothes for the puja.

? Never offer Tulsi leaves to Lord Shiva.

? Avoid doing a full parikrama (circumambulation) of the Shiva Linga¡ªdo it in an incomplete circle instead.

By following these dos and don¡¯ts, devotees can observe Maha Shivratri with proper discipline and devotion, ensuring divine blessings and a spiritually fulfilling experience.

Mahashivratri Puja samagri list

Mahashivratri 2025: Offers these things for the blessing of Lord Shiva

Water

Pouring water over Lord Shiva¡¯s idol or Shivling is believed to bring peace and balance into life. It is especially helpful for those dealing with fever or high blood pressure.

Milk

Offering milk to Lord Shiva is said to attract wealth and remove health problems, promoting overall well-being.

Curd (Yoghurt)

Curd is considered a sacred offering that brings good fortune, beauty, and a comfortable life.

Sugar

Presenting sugar during worship is thought to strengthen family bonds and resolve conflicts within the household.

Honey

Honey is offered to Lord Shiva to invite happiness and eliminate obstacles caused by enemies.

Ghee (Clarified Butter)

Ghee is linked to mental clarity and confidence. Offering it can improve focus, memory, and self-belief.

Bel Patra (Bilva Leaves)

Bilva leaves are among Lord Shiva¡¯s most cherished offerings. Writing ¡®Ram¡¯ on them before presenting them is believed to bring long life and divine blessings.

Dhatura

This medicinal plant holds special significance in Shiva worship. Offering Dhatura symbolises letting go of pride and embracing spiritual wisdom. However, as parts of this plant can be toxic, handling it with care is essential.

Akshat (Unbroken Rice)

Unbroken rice grains symbolise purity and gratitude. Offering Akshat expresses appreciation for life¡¯s blessings and divine protection.

Shami Leaves

Shami leaves represent strength and endurance. Offering them to Lord Shiva signifies the triumph of good over evil and helps overcome life¡¯s challenges.

Bhaang (Cannabis Leaves)

Bhaang is considered a sacred offering to Lord Shiva. Placing its leaves or paste on the Shivling is believed to drive away negative energy and protect against evil forces.

Itra (Perfume/Scent)

Offering fragrance during prayers is said to bring love, harmony, and positive relationships, making it beneficial for those facing difficulties in marriage or personal life.

Sandalwood Paste

Sandalwood is deeply loved by Lord Shiva. Applying sandalwood paste during worship is believed to calm anger, attract respect, and remove negative energies, making one¡¯s aura more appealing.

Best places to celebrate Mahashivratri

Things to avoid while performing puja for Lord Shiva on Shivratri

Lord Shiva is often worshipped in the form of a Shivling, and devotees believe that offering prayers to it with devotion can fulfil their wishes. Maha Shivratri, which falls on Wednesday, February 26, 2024, is one of the most important days for Shiva devotees. On this day, people observe fasts and perform special pujas.

It is well known that Bael leaves are Lord Shiva¡¯s favourite, along with offerings like bhang, dhatura, milk, sandalwood, and ash. However, some items are considered inauspicious and should never be offered to Shiva during puja. Here are the things to avoid when worshipping Lord Shiva on Shivratri or any other day:

1. Tulsi Leaves

According to Hindu mythology, Tulsi was once Vrinda, the wife of a demon named Jalandhar, who was later defeated by Lord Shiva. Due to her strong devotion to her husband, Shiva does not accept Tulsi leaves as an offering.

2. Vermillion (Kumkum)

Kumkum or saffron is never offered to the Shivling. Lord Shiva is a renunciate, and he applies ash (vibhuti) on his forehead instead. Since vermillion is traditionally used by married women, it is not considered suitable for Shiva¡¯s worship.

3. Broken Rice (Akshat)

Only whole, unbroken rice grains (Akshat) should be offered to Lord Shiva, as broken rice is seen as impure for religious offerings.

4. Turmeric (Haldi)

Unlike other Hindu deities, Lord Shiva does not accept haldi (turmeric) because it is linked to beauty and prosperity. Since Shiva is a saint who has renounced worldly pleasures, turmeric is not considered appropriate for his worship.

5. Kewda and Champa Flowers

It is believed that Lord Shiva prefers white flowers, and certain flowers like Kewda and Champa are forbidden as offerings. According to tradition, these flowers are associated with a curse from Shiva and should never be placed on a Shivling.

6. Coconut Water

Unlike other Hindu gods, Lord Shiva does not accept coconut water as an offering. Once something is poured on the Shivling, it becomes Nirmalaya and should not be consumed again. This is why drinking coconut water after offering it to Lord Shiva is not allowed.

7. Cut or Infected Bael Leaves

Bael (Bilva) leaves are among Lord Shiva¡¯s most beloved offerings. However, these leaves should always be whole and free from insect bites. Offering damaged Bael leaves is considered inauspicious.

8. Bronze Vessels for Milk or Water

While offering milk, water, or curd to the Shivling, avoid using bronze vessels. It is believed that offering milk from a bronze pot is equivalent to offering alcohol, which is considered inauspicious. Always use a copper vessel instead. Also, ensure that your fingers do not touch the milk or water while offering it.

9. Saffron (Kesar)

Saffron should never be offered to Lord Shiva, whether on Maha Shivratri, regular Mondays, or any other day. As Shiva applies ash (bhasma) on his body, saffron, which is linked to luxury and prosperity, is not suitable for his puja.

How to offer prayers to Lord Shiva On Mahashivratri

Maha Shivratri 2025: Important Details

When is Maha Shivratri in 2025?

Maha Shivratri will be observed on Wednesday, 26 February 2025.

Why is Maha Shivratri Celebrated?

Maha Shivratri is a Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Shiva, symbolising his power of creation, preservation, and destruction. It is believed that on this night, Lord Shiva performed the Tandava dance. The festival is marked by fasting, offering prayers, and chanting Lord Shiva¡¯s mantras.

Can You Sleep During the Day on Shivratri?

No, Shivratri is a night of devotion and fasting, where devotees stay awake, pray, and meditate. Sleeping is generally discouraged on this day.

What Are Lord Shiva¡¯s Favourite Foods?

According to mythology, Lord Shiva¡¯s favourite foods include Kand-Mool (wild root vegetables), bhang, dhatura, milk, thandai, and white sweets.

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