Mahashivratri is a sacred festival dedicated to Lord Shiva, the God of Gods. In 2025, Mahashivratri is being observed on Wednesday, 26 February. This auspicious day is marked by deep devotion, fasting, and prayers offered to Mahadev, the supreme deity associated with transformation, destruction, and regeneration.
Morning Rituals and Worship
Devotees begin the day by waking up early and taking a holy bath. The place of worship is thoroughly cleaned, and devotees invoke Bhole Baba by pouring water, milk, honey, and curd over the Shivlinga. This ritual, known as Abhishekam, symbolizes purification, surrender, and devotion. Along with water, sacred offerings such as Bilva (Bel) leaves, Datura flowers, white sandalwood paste, and Akshat (unbroken rice grains) are placed on the Shivling, as these are believed to be favorites of Lord Shiva.
Observing the Mahashivratri Fast
Fasting on Mahashivratri is considered highly sacred and spiritually uplifting. Many devotees observe a strict fast, refraining from consuming grains and eating only fruits, milk, and non-grain foods. Some devotees practice Nirjala Vrat, where they abstain from food and water completely, believing it purifies the body and mind. The fast continues throughout the day and night, culminating after performing Shiva Puja and night vigil.
Here are some effective mantras and the Shiv Chalisa to chant during Shiva Puja:
Shiv Chalisa
|| Doha ||
Shree Ganesh Girija Suvan| Mangal Mul Sujan||
Kahat Ayodhya Das| Tum Dey Abhaya Varadan||
|| Chaupai ||
Jai Girija Pati Dinadayala| Sada Karata Santana Pratipala||
Bhala Chandrama Sohata Nike| Kanana Kundala Nagaphani Ke||
Anga Gaura Shira Ganga Bahaye| Mundamala Tana Chhara Lagaye||
Vastra Khala Baghambara Sohe| Chhavi Ko Dekha Naga Mana Mohe||
Maina Matu Ki Have Dulari| Bama Anga Sohata Chhavi Nyari||
Kara Trishula Sohata Chhavi Bhari| Karata Sada Shatruna Kshayakari||
Nandi Ganesha Sohain Tahan Kaise| Sagara Madhya Kamala Hain Jaise||
Kartika Shyama Aura Ganarau| Ya Chhavi Ko Kahi Jata Na Kau||
Devana Jabahi Jaya Pukara| Tabahi Dukha Prabhu Apa Nivara||
Kiya Upadrava Taraka Bhari| Devana Saba Mili Tumahin Juhari||
Turata Shadanana Apa Pathayau| Luvanimesha Mahan Mari Girayau||
Apa Jalandhara Asura Sanhara| Suyasha Tumhara Vidita Sansara||
Tripurasura Sana Yudha Machai| Sabhin Kripakara Lina Bachai||
Kiya Tapahin Bhagiratha Bhari| Puraba Pratigya Tasu Purari||
Danina Mahan Tuma Sama Kou Nahin| Sevaka Stuti Karata Sadahin||
Veda Mahi Mahima Tuma Gai| Akatha Anandi Bheda Nahin Pai||
Prakati Udadhi Manthana Mein Jwala| Jarata Surasura Bhae Bihala||
Kinhi Daya Tahan Kari Sahai| Nilakantha Taba Nama Kahai||
Pujana Ramachandra Jaba Kinha| Jita Ke Lanka Vibhishana Dinha||
Sahasa Kamala Mein Ho Rahe Dhari| Kinha Pariksha Tabahin Purari||
