Maha Shivratri 2025: Puja vidhi, timings, samagri, mantra — all you need to know

In 2025, the festival will be observed on Wednesday, February 26, with Chaturdashi Tithi beginning at 11:08 AM and concluding at 08:54 AM on February 27.

With Maha Shivratri just a day away, here’s all you need to know about the festival’s traditions, rituals, and practices.

Maha Shivratri 2025: Vrat Vidhi

Devotees eat only once the day before their Shivaratri vrat or fast, which is normally on Trayodashi. According to drikpanchang.com, after performing morning rituals on Shivaratri, devotees must take Sankalp to fast for the whole day and eat only the next day.

READ: Maha Shivratri 2025: Know the history, and significance of Maha Shivratri.

Maha Shivratri 2025: Puja Vidhi

Enlisted below are six important rituals one should follow when executing the Maha Shivratri pooja.

1. Bathing Shivalingam with water, milk, and bel leaves represents soul cleansing.
2. Applying vermilion after bathing is a mark of virtue.
3. Offering fruits during worship represents the fulfilment of desires and longevity.
4. Burning incense sticks represents prosperity.
5. Betel leaves indicate satisfaction from worldly pursuits.
6. Lamp lighting symbolises the attainment of wisdom and understanding.

Maha Shivratri 2025: Puja Timings and Mantras

On the day of Maha Shivratri, many devotees chant sacred mantras dedicated to the deity. Chanting mantras at specific muhurat (auspicious) timings of the day is advised, with the most favourable period for performing Shiv Puja occurring during Nishita Kaal, which is set for 12:09 PM to 12:59 PM on 26 February 2025.

The night vigil, bhajan kirtan, and Rudrabhishek performed during the four prahars (phases) of the night are considered especially significant for obtaining peace and removing evil. Influences: Here are the timings mentioned according to Drik Panchang:

1. Ratri First Prahar Puja Time—6:19 PM to 9:26 PM, 26th February
2. Ratri Second Prahar Puja Time—9:26 PM to 12:34 AM, 27th February
3. Ratri Third Prahar Puja Time—12:34 AM to 3:34 AM, 27th February
4. Ratri Fourth Prahar Puja Time—3:41 AM to 06:48 AM, 27th February

i. Shiva Moola Mantra
Om Namah Shivaya

ii. Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra
Om Tryambakam Yajamahe Sugandhim Pushti-Vardhanam
Urvarukamiva Bandhanan Mrityormukshiya Mamritat

iii. Rudra Gayatri Mantra
Om Tatpurushaya Vidmahe Mahadevaya Dhimahi
Tanno Rudrah Prachodayat

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