How to Perform Mahashivaratri Puja?
Mahashivratri is one of the most important events in India. On this special day, devotees observe fasting, pray, and perform Shivratri rituals to receive the blessings of Lord Shiva.
Significance Of Mahashivratri 2025
Mahashivaratri, meaning “The Great Night of Shiva” is celebrated annually in India with great enthusiasm and devotion.
Mahashivaratri is very special because it was the day Lord Shiva married Goddess Parvati. It is also believed to be the day when Lord Shiva performed the Tandava, the cosmic dance of creation, preservation, and destruction, upon hearing of his wife's self-immolation. It is said that he defeated Tripurasura, the demon of ignorance and ego.
Mahashivaratri puja Items List-
For Maha Shivaratri Puja 2025, we need to use the following items:
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Shiva Lingam or Idol – For worship
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Gangajal & Panchamrit (Milk, Curd, Honey, Ghee, Sugar) – For Abhishekam
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Bilva (Bel Patra) Leaves – Sacred offering to Lord Shiva
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Datura Flower & Fruit – Favorite of Shiva
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Sandalwood Paste (Chandan) & Bhasma (Vibhuti) – For tilak and rituals
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Incense Sticks (Agarbatti) & Dhoop – For fragrance
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Oil or Ghee Lamp (Diya) & Camphor (Kapoor) – For Aarti
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Fruits, Coconut & Dry Fruits – As Naivedya (offering)
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Black Sesame Seeds (Til) – Important for Shiva puja
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Sacred Thread (Moli/Kalawa) & Akshat (Raw Rice) – For rituals
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Rudraksha Mala or Beads – For mantra chanting
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Shiva Mantra Book (Om Namah Shivaya or Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra)
Mahashivaratri Puja Method-
Mahashivaratri puja is a special ritual performed to honor Lord Shiva. Devotees follow a lot of strict rules to seek and be worthy of Lord Shiva’s blessings.
Cleaning
On the day of Shivaratri, devotees wake up early and take a bath. It is believed that the holy bath purifies both the body and soul. Devotees wear clean clothes, usually white or saffron while performing the puja.
After cleansing yourself, move on to cleaning the place where Shivratri puja will be performed.
Mahashivaratri offerings
Place a picture or idol of Lord Shiva, along with a Shiv Linga or Shiva Yantra, on a pedestal or altar.
Offer flowers, milk, honey, and fruits to honor Lord Shiva. You can also offer bael leaves, one of the holiest plants and beloved by Lord Shiva. Offering bael leaves is a gesture of reverence to the Supreme and a way to purify the mind and soul.
Shiva mantra chanting
Devotees chant sacred mantras like Om Namah Shivaya or Mahamrityunjaya Mantra, to seek the blessings and protection of Lord Shiva.
Conclude the puja by performing aarti. Light a lamp and wave it in front of the deity.
Shiva Abhishekam
This is one of the most important rituals performed on Mahashivaratri to honor Lord Shiva. Usually, it is conducted in temples but you can also perform the ritual in the sacred atmosphere within your home.
Bath the Shiva Lingam with milk, honey, ghee, or water while chanting the mantra “Om Namah Shivaya”. This symbolizes the purification of the mind.
Mahashivaratri Fasting
Most people observe a vegetarian fast on Mahashivaratri. The Shivratri fast begins at sunrise and continues until the next morning after the fourth prahar is over. Fasting is practiced as a means of purifying the mind, body, and soul while expressing devotion to Lord Shiva.
Devotees avoid any kind of onion, garlic, alcohol, and non-vegetarian food. Some people may observe a partial fast by consuming fruits, milk, and nuts. Many devotees undertake a complete fast, abstaining from both food and water, with deep devotion to Lord Shiva.
It is recommended to eat only one meal a day before Mahashivaratri fasting to ensure that any undigested food is not left in the digestive system on the fasting day.
Mahashivratri is very significant in the Indian spiritual calendar. It is also an opportunity for those who want to purify their body, mind, and soul.
