Maha Shivratri
26/2/2025
Maha Shivaratri is a significant Hindu festival celebrated annually in honor of Lord Shiva. It is observed on the 14th night of the new moon during the month of Magha- Phalguna (February-March). This sacred festival is also known as Tantrik Ratri for spiritual Sadhana.
Maha Shivaratri commemorates the union of Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu at 12.00 A.M. an auspicious time called as Lingodhbhava. It is believed that on this auspicious night, Lord Shiva meets his Guru Lord Vishnu and in turn Lord Vishnu meet his Guru Lord Shiva famous as Harihara Bhet which emphasizes devotion on Guru and harmony between two Supreme dities. During this time Lord Shiva is offered with Tulsi leaf Lord Shiva is offered with Bilva leaf.
Devotees observe Maha Shivaratri following ancient rituals and traditions. Fasting is the foremost ritual throughout the day, breaking their fast only after midnight puja eating fruit and dates. And the next day early morning before 12:00 p.m. break their fast with lunch after offering to Lord Shiva. It differs from region to region.
Special pujas are performed at Shiva temples, where devotees offer prayers, flowers, and fruits to the deity.
Abhishekam is one of the important ritual on Mahashivratri. Devotees perform abhishekam, a ritual where they pour holy water, milk, curd, ghee, honey, Sugar known as panchaamrutabhishekam. Fruit juices or other liquids are poured over the Shiva linga. The even offer white flowers, bilva leaves and fruits. There are various types of Abhishekam on the occasion of Maha Shivaratri. Some perform rudrabhishekam/ Ekadasha rudrabhishekam (repeating Rudram for 11 Times),/ Linga Archana preparing 121 Shiva Lingam with Holy mud mixing with bhasma/ Sahasra Lingarchana 1161 Shiva lingas,/ bilvarchanam/ Laksha Bhilwarachana. Lord Shiva is worshipped with 10000 names popularly Dasha Sahasranamam. Some devotees perform Mahashivratri pooja thrice a day. Once in brahmamuhurtam, midnoon and after 7.00P. M. to 12.00 A.M. All devotees perform Pooja in evening to midnight.
The Hindu mythology emphasizes the importance of Maha Shivaratri in several sacred texts, including the Shiva Purana, Linga Purana, and Shiv Leela Amrit.
