When is Mahashivratri 2025 Mahashivratri, the “Great Night of Lord Shiva,” is one of the most significant Hindu festivals, celebrated with great reverence by devotees worldwide. It marks a time of spiritual devotion, self-discipline, and the worship of Lord Shiva. In 2025, this auspicious occasion will take place on Wednesday, February 26.
When is Mahashivratri 2025
Aspect | Details |
Date of Observation | Wednesday, February 26, 2025 |
Nishita Kaal Puja | 12:09 AM to 12:59 AM, February 27, 2025 |
Shivaratri Parana Time | 06:48 AM to 08:54 AM, February 27, 2025 |
Prahar Puja Times | First: 06:19 PM to 09:26 PM, February 26 |
Second: 09:26 PM to 12:34 AM, February 27 | |
Third: 12:34 AM to 03:41 AM, February 27 | |
Fourth: 03:41 AM to 06:48 AM, February 27 | |
Chaturdashi Tithi | Begins: 11:08 AM, February 26; Ends: 08:54 AM, February 27 |
Rituals and Practices | Fasting, chanting, Abhishekam, Jagarans, temple visits |
What is Mahashivratri?
Mahashivratri, which translates to “the Great Night of Lord Shiva,” is a time of spiritual awakening and devotion. Unlike many other Hindu festivals, Mahashivratri is a night of introspection, fasting, chanting, and meditation, dedicated to Lord Shiva, the destroyer in the Holy Trinity (Trimurti) of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva.
Devotees across the world join in this solemn occasion, irrespective of their region or background. It is a moment to spiritually unite with Lord Shiva, seek his blessings, and experience the divine energies that manifest during this auspicious night.
Maha Shivratri 2025: Date and Time
Chaturdashi Tithi Begins – February 26, 2025 – 11:08 AM
Chaturdashi Tithi Ends – February 27, 2025 – 08:54 AM
Nishita Kaal Puja Time – February 27, 2025 – 12:08 AM to 12:58 AM
Shivaratri Parana Time – February 27, 2025 – 06:47 AM to 08:54 AM
Ratri First Prahar Puja Time – February 26, 2025 – 06:18 PM to 09:25 PM
Ratri Second Prahar Puja Time – February 27, 2025 – 09:25 PM to 12:33 AM
Ratri Third Prahar Puja Time – February 27, 2025 – 12:33 AM to 03:40 AM
Ratri Fourth Prahar Puja Time – February 27, 2025 – 03:40 AM to 06:47 AM
Significance and Beliefs Surrounding Mahashivratri
There are various beliefs surrounding the origin of Mahashivratri. The festival is most commonly celebrated as the night when Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati are said to have married. Another popular belief links Mahashivratri with Lord Shiva’s cosmic dance, the Tandav, symbolizing creation, preservation, and destruction, reinforcing his divine energy and power.
According to some legends, it is believed that the cosmic dance of Lord Shiva occurs on this night, an embodiment of the cycles of time and the universe’s existence. Thus, Mahashivratri becomes the perfect moment for devotees to immerse in deep spiritual practices and realize Shiva’s infinite power.
Some also believe that this night signifies the ultimate union of the soul with the divine, and thus, the devotion and practices on this day transcend physical rituals and take on deeper spiritual meanings.
Rituals and Practices of Mahashivratri
While the basic rituals of Mahashivratri are simple, they require great discipline and focus. The following practices are integral to this night:
1. Fasting and Sattvik Food
On Mahashivratri, devotees observe a fast, keeping away from all grains, spices, and heavy foods. The fast is broken with sattvik food—fruits, milk, and water.
2. Abhishekam (Ritual Bathing of the Shivling)
Devotees purify the idol or Shivling (representation of Lord Shiva) by performing the Abhishekam, usually at temples or at home. This is done with offerings of milk, honey, ghee, curd, bel patra (leaves), flowers, and sandalwood paste.
3. Chanting of Mantras
Devotees chant mantras dedicated to Lord Shiva throughout the night. The most common mantra is “Om Namah Shivaya,” which is repeated for spiritual awakening. In some cases, devotees also chant the Shiva Tandav Stotra, a powerful hymn composed by Ravana, dedicated to Lord Shiva.
4. Night Vigil (Jagarans)
Staying awake throughout the night is an important part of the celebration. Devotees participate in Jagarans (night vigils) where they sing bhajans, listen to stories about Lord Shiva, and meditate, keeping their minds attuned to his divine energies.
5. Temple Visits
Many people visit Shiva temples on Mahashivratri, including the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Somnath Temple, Mahakaleshwar Temple, and other prominent Shiva temples across India. Devotees gather to perform rituals and prayers, joining the community in their devotion.
The Four Prahars: Phases of the Night
Mahashivratri night is divided into four “Prahars” (phases), each holding special significance for the devotees.
- First Prahar (6:19 PM to 9:26 PM, Feb 26): The evening begins with prayers and rituals, often marked by chanting mantras and making offerings to the Shiva Lingam.
- Second Prahar (9:26 PM to 12:34 AM, Feb 27): The second phase is considered one of the most crucial moments for prayer and reflection.
- Third Prahar (12:34 AM to 3:41 AM, Feb 27): The early morning hours are dedicated to intense meditation and spiritual awakening.
- Fourth Prahar (3:41 AM to 6:48 AM, Feb 27): As the night comes to a close, devotees celebrate the end of the night with the completion of the fast and rituals for invoking blessings for the year ahead.
Why is Mahashivratri Celebrated?
While Mahashivratri is celebrated primarily as the wedding day of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, it also marks the occasion when Lord Shiva performed his Tandav dance, a cosmic dance that signifies the creation, preservation, and destruction of the universe. Another mythological interpretation claims that it is the night when Lord Shiva drank the poison that emerged during the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan), preventing it from affecting the world.
Thus, Mahashivratri serves not just as a celebration of love and devotion, but also as a reminder of the deeper cosmic truths that govern the universe. Mahashivratri is not just a celebration; it is a journey of spiritual awakening, purification, and union with the divine. Whether through meditation, fasting, chanting, or simply being present in the moment, this night serves as a reminder to connect with higher energies and reflect upon the divine presence in every aspect of life.
In 2025, Mahashivratri will be celebrated on Wednesday, February 26. The timings of the different pujas (rituals) throughout the night are significant for those who wish to observe them.
- Nishita Kaal Puja (Main Puja): 12:09 AM to 12:59 AM on February 27
- Shivaratri Parana Time (End of Fast): 06:48 AM to 08:54 AM on February 27
Mantra
1. Om Namah Shivaye..!!
2. Om Trayambhakam Yajamahe Sugandhim Pushti Vardhanam Uravrukmiv Bandhanan Mrityor Mukshiya Mamritaat..!!