Maha Shivratri
The Great Night of Shiva
Significance
Maha Shivratri is the night Shiva is said to be most accessible. Three traditions converge on this date: the night Shiva performed the cosmic Tandava dance, the night he drank the Halahala poison to save creation, and the night he married Parvati. Unlike most Hindu festivals that are celebrated during the day, Shivratri is celebrated at night because — according to yogic physiology — the downward pull of gravity is weakest at night, and spiritual energy naturally rises along the spine.
Rituals & Observances
Day-long fast
Observers fast from sunrise; water and fruits are allowed. Strict fasters (nirjala) take nothing.
Visit to a Shiva temple
Bilva leaves, milk, honey, curd and water are offered to the Lingam. A single bilva leaf offered with real devotion is said to please Shiva more than a thousand flowers.
All-night vigil (Jāgaran)
The most important observance — stay awake and conscious through the night, chanting Om Namah Shivaya or listening to the Rudram.
Four-prahar puja
The night is divided into four three-hour prahars. Abhishekam with milk (first), curd (second), ghee (third) and honey (fourth). Each represents one of the four purusharthas.
Morning parana
Break the fast after sunrise darshan with fruits and milk; offer prasad to family and neighbours.
How It Is Celebrated
Temples across India hold abhishekam through the night. Devotees walk barefoot to 12 Jyotirlinga sites (Somnath, Kedarnath, Mahakaleshwar, Omkareshwar, Vaidyanath, Bhimashankar, Nageshwar, Kashi Vishwanath, Trimbakeshwar, Rameshwaram, Grishneshwar and Mallikarjuna) — many undertake this yatra across years. The entire city of Varanasi stays awake; the ghats of the Ganga glow with lamps until dawn.
Traditional Foods
Sacred Mantra
The five-syllable Panchakshari mantra — 'I bow to Shiva.' Each syllable represents one of the five elements and one of the five kleshas it dissolves.
Where to Observe
All of India — especially Varanasi, Ujjain, Rishikesh and the 12 Jyotirlinga sites
Continue Reading
Maha Shivratri falls on the 14th night of the dark half of Phalguna. The story, the all-night vigil, the four-prahar puja and the spiritual significance.
A complete guide to the Panchakshari Mantra "Om Namah Shivaya" — its word-by-word meaning, the science of its five seed syllables, benefits and the correct way to chant it for beginners and advanced sadhakas.