Maha Shivratri is celebrated by thousands of devoted women and men all over India. It is one of the most secret Hindu festivals. Devotees of Lord Shiva spend this day with fasting prayers and night-long celebrations.
So, if you are planning to observe Mahashivratri this year or don’t know about the fasting rules, here’s everything you need to know about the date, timings, puja vidhi, and fasting rules.
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When is Maha Shivaratri 2025?
Open your calendar and mark that the Mahashivratri in 2025 is today on Wednesday, February 26. But don’t worry you are not late; the Chaturdashi tithi will end tomorrow, so you have time.
This festival is observed every year on the 14 day of the dark fortnight which we know as Krishna Paksha in the month of Phalguna and Magha. This is the day when everyone shows day dedication towards lord shiva and Goddess Parvati celebrating their divine Union.
Shubh Muhurat & Puja Timings
If you want to perform puja at the most auspicious times, here are the key timings for Maha Shivratri 2025:
- Chaturdashi Tithi Begins -February 26, 2025, at 11:08 AM
- Chaturdashi Tithi Ends-February 27, 2025, at 08:54 AM
- Nishita Kaal Puja February 27, 2025, from 12:08 AM to 12-58 AM
- Shivaratri Parana (Fast-breaking) Time-February 27, 2025, from 06:47 AM
- to 08:54 AM
Night Puja Timings (Four Prahars)
Devotees often perform puja four times throughout the night:
- First Prahar – 06:18 PM to 09:25 PM (Feb 26)
- Second Prahar- 09:25 PM to 12:33 AM (Feb 27)
- Third Prahar – 12:33 AM to 03:40 AM (Feb 27)
- Fourth Prahar- 03:40 AM to 06:47 AM (Feb 27)
Maha Shivratri Fasting Rules – Dos & Don’ts
Fasting on Mahashivratri is a very sacred and peaceful feeling to many people it is believed to to cleanse the soul, remove past karmas, and
bring spiritual growth, so,
The Dos:
- Devotees should eat only once on the day before Shivratri to prepare for the fast
- Take a bath early in the morning and where clean or new clothes.
- If you can’t do Nirjala Vrat (without Water) then you can go for Phalahar Vrat ( Fruits and milk)
- Puja can be done once or four times throughout the night.
The Don’ts:
- Avoid eating grains, pulses, or anything that is not vrat-friendly.
- Anything offered to Lord Shiva should not be consumed by devotees.
- Avoid excessive consumption of tea or coffee, as it can cause dehydration.
Puja Vidhi & Rituals
The Vidhu and Rituals that have been performed on the day of Mahashivratri Puja for many years are,
- Visit a Shiva temple or create a puja space at home.
- Bathe the Shivling with water, milk, honey, and ghee
- Offer bael leaves, raw rice, dhatura fruit, sandalwood, ghee, and bhang
- Light a diya and incense sticks and chant Shiva mantras like “Om Namah
- Shivaya”.
- Stay awake all night and meditate, if possible.
As you can see by these rules and processes, Shivratri is a big thing for his Devotees. It’s a day dedicated to Lord Shiva, so keep his softness in mind, don’t try to force any ritual on yourself.
If you need to take medicine, don’t overthink it, take the medicine and follow a Phalahar Vrat. Remember, Lord Shiva never wants his devotees to suffer.