BhaktiLoopMaha Shivratri Puja
Maha Shivratri, meaning 'The Great Night of Shiva,' is one of the most significant Hindu festivals dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is observed annually on the 14th night of the Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight) of the month of Phalguna in the Hindu calendar (typically February or March). Devotees observe a strict fast, stay awake all night (Jagran), meditate, chant mantras, and perform special pujas and Abhishekam (ritual bathing) to the Shiva Lingam. It is a night for spiritual awakening, dissolving sins, and experiencing the divine presence of Lord Shiva.
Purpose
To honor Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati; seek blessings for peace, prosperity, spiritual growth, liberation (moksha), and a happy married life (especially for women). It commemorates the 'Dark Night of Shiva' – believed to be the night Shiva performed the Tandava, the cosmic dance, or the day he married Goddess Parvati.
Key Rituals
Fasting (Vrat): Devotees observe a strict fast, often Nirjala (without water), or consume only fruits and milk (Phalahari Vrat). The fast is broken the next morning after sunrise.
Abhishekam to Shiva Lingam: The central ritual involves ritually bathing the Shiva Lingam throughout the night, often in four 'Prahars' (quarters of the night). The Lingam is bathed with water, milk, yogurt, ghee, honey, sugar, panchagavya (a mixture of five cow products), followed by offerings.
Offerings: Bilva leaves (Bel Patra) are considered very sacred to Lord Shiva and are offered in abundance. Other offerings include Dhatura flowers and fruits, Bhang (cannabis, offered ritually), white flowers, sandal paste, Vibhuti (sacred ash), Akshat (rice grains), incense sticks, and lamps.
Chanting Mantras: Continuous chanting of 'Om Namah Shivaya' is a primary practice. The Mahamrityunjaya Mantra is also chanted for longevity, health, and protection.
Jagran (Night Vigil): Devotees stay awake all night, either at home or in temples, engaging in prayer, meditation, singing devotional songs (bhajans and kirtans), and listening to stories from Shiva Purana and the Shivratri Vrat Katha (story of the fast).
Purnahuti (Completing the Puja): The puja concludes with an Aarti (waving of lamps) and prayers, followed by breaking the fast the next morning.
Meditation and Self-Reflection: The night is considered highly auspicious for introspection, meditation, and connecting with the inner self to attain spiritual enlightenment.
Common Offerings
Water (especially Gangajal, holy water)
Milk, Yogurt, Ghee, Honey, Sugar (for Panchamrit Abhishekam)
Bilva leaves (Bel Patra)
Dhatura flowers and fruits
Bhang (ritualistically, with caution and awareness of local laws)
White flowers (e.g., jasmine, oleander)
Sandalwood paste
Vibhuti (sacred ash)
Akshat (uncooked rice grains)
Incense sticks (Agarbatti)
Oil lamp (Deepam or Diya)
Fruits (seasonal fruits)
Sweets (naivedyam)
Associated Mantras
Mantra 1
Mantra Text
Om Namah Shivaya
Meaning
Salutations to Lord Shiva. 'Om' is the primordial sound of the universe; 'Namah' means obeisance or salutations; 'Shivaya' refers to Lord Shiva, the auspicious one.
Benefits
Purifies the mind, removes negativity, grants peace, spiritual growth, liberation (moksha), and protection from evil.
Mantra 2
Mantra Text
Om Tryambakam Yajamahe Sugandhim Pushtivardhanam | Urvarukamiva Bandhanan Mrityor Mukshiya Mamritat ||
Meaning
We worship the three-eyed Lord Shiva, who is fragrant and nourishes all beings. May he liberate us from death for the sake of immortality, just as a cucumber is severed from its bondage to the creeper.
Benefits
Bestows health, longevity, wealth, peace, prosperity, protects from untimely death, helps overcome fears and diseases. Known as the 'Great Death-Conquering Mantra'.
Mantra 3
Mantra Text
Om Tatpurushaya Vidmahe Mahadevaya Dhimahi Tanno Rudrah Prachodayat ||
Meaning
Om, Let us know the Supreme Person, Mahadeva. Let us meditate on Him, and may Rudra enlighten our intellect.
Benefits
Grants wisdom, spiritual enlightenment, inner peace, and protection. It invokes the divine knowledge of Lord Shiva.
Auspicious Days
The 14th night of the Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight) of the Hindu month of Phalguna (February/March).
Observed annually, the date varies slightly based on the lunar calendar.
Regional Variations
Celebrations vary across regions of India and among Hindu diaspora: - **North India:** Grand celebrations in temples like Kashi Vishwanath. Focus on strict fasting, Jagran, and continuous chanting. - **South India:** Often known as 'Maha Sivarathri.' Elaborate temple rituals, emphasis on chanting 'Om Namah Shivaya' 108 or 1008 times, and special 'Kalyanam' (marriage ceremony) of Shiva and Parvati in some temples. - **Kashmir Shaivism:** Known as 'Herath,' observed a few days before Shivaratri, with special offerings to Bhairava. - **Himachal Pradesh:** The Mandi Shivratri Fair is a major event, lasting for seven days. - **Nepal:** Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu sees massive celebrations with millions of devotees.
Related Pujas
Pradosh Vrat (fortnightly fast dedicated to Shiva and Parvati)
Sawan Somvar Vrat (Monday fasts during the month of Sawan/Shravan, dedicated to Shiva)
Rudra Abhishekam (general ritual bathing of Shiva Lingam)
Shiva Tandava Stotram chanting