Importance of fasting date, worship method and auspicious time

Maha Shivratri 2025: Mahashivratri is one of the most important festivals of Hindu religion. This festival is celebrated every year on Krishna Paksha Chaturdashi date of Phalgun month. This time the fast of Mahashivratri will be observed on 26 February 2025, Wednesday. Although Shivratri comes every month, which is called Masik Shivratri, but Shivratri of Phalgun month is especially known as Mahashivratri.

Importance of Mahashivratri

Mahashivratri is the day of union of Lord Shiva and Mother Parvati. This is the day when Shiva-Parvati got married. This day is considered best to please Lord Bholenath and seek his blessings.

• Fulfillment of wishes: Mahashivratri fast is especially observed to get the desired groom and freedom from all kinds of sorrows.
• Attainment of complete results: By worshiping Lord Shiva with proper rituals one gets auspicious results.

Mahashivratri 2025: Auspicious time and dates

Chaturdashi date time:

• Start: 26 February 2025 at 11:08 am.
• Expiry: 27th February 2025 at 08:54 AM.

Auspicious time of Shiva puja (Nishita Kaal):

• Night puja timings:
  • 26 February 2025, 12:09 am to 12:59 am.
• Puja timings at different times of the night:
  1. First Prahar: 6:19 pm to 9:26 pm.
  2. Second Prahar: 9:26 pm to 12:34 am.
  3. Third Prahar: 12:34 am to 3:04 am.
  4. Fourth Prahar: On February 27, from 3:04 am to 6:34 am.

Time of fasting:

• 27 February 2025: 6:48 am to 8:54 am.

Importance of worshiping Shivalinga on Mahashivratri

On the day of Mahashivratri, Lord Shiva is worshiped especially through Shivalinga. It is believed that on this day:

• Bholenath resides physically in every Shivalinga.
• God becomes pleased with even a little devotion of the devotees and fulfills their wishes.
• On this day, night vigil, bhajan-kirtan, and worship of four hours have special significance.
• Rudrabhishek: Performing Rudrabhishek on Mahashivratri brings peace from evil and happiness and prosperity in life.

Relation of Shivalinga and Mahashivratri

There is also a mythological belief related to Mahashivratri:

• Lord Shiva’s radiant fire (Shivalinga) appeared on this day.
• This day symbolizes the origin of the universe, because on this day the creation started with the wish of Lord Shiva.
• It is also said that during the doomsday the creation will end on the day of Mahashivratri.

Benefits of Mahashivratri fast

1. Family happiness and prosperity: Fasting and worship brings happiness and peace in the family.
2. Mental peace: Worshiping Lord Shiva removes stress and negativity.
3. Fulfillment of wishes: This fast is considered very effective for the desired groom or accomplishment of work.

How to worship Mahashivratri?

1. Bathing and Purity: Wake up early in the morning and take bath with Ganga water or pure water.
2. Shivalinga Abhishek:
   • Perform Abhishekam with milk, curd, ghee, honey and Ganga water.
   • Offer Belpatra, Dhatura and Aak flowers.
3. Mantra Chant: Chant “Om Namah Shivay”.
4. Night Vigil: Do bhajan-kirtan and worship Lord Shiva throughout the night.
5. Rudrabhishek: Get Rudrabhishek done by a qualified Pandit.