Mahashivratri 2025: The great festival of self-purification and experience of Shivatva

Maha shivratri 2025: The biggest festival of worship of Lord Shiva

The lord of destruction and creation of the universe, the embodiment of compassion and penance, is about to come. It is not just a fast or ritual, but an auspicious occasion to attain self-purification, devotion and Shivatva. Shiva devotees keep fast on this day, stay awake all night and try to get the blessings of Mahadev by performing Rudrabhishek of Shivling. This is the holy night when the entire universe becomes Shiva-filled and devotees worship Lord Shiva with the slogan of “Har Har Mahadev”.

When is Mahashivratri 2025?

This year’s Mahashivratri will be celebrated on 26 February 2025. Whose auspicious time is from 11:08 am on 26 February to 08:54 am on 27 February. If both Udayatithi and Puja Muhurta are seen, then Mahashivratri is on Wednesday, 26 February.

Importance and Mythology of Mahashivratri

According to religious texts, Mahashivratri is the auspicious night when the divine marriage of Lord Shiva and Mother Parvati took place. It is the festival of union of the two great powers of creation “Shiva and Shakti”, which symbolizes the balance and energy of life.

According to another legend, on this day Lord Shiva drank the poison Kalakuta and held it in his throat, due to which he was called Neelkanth. When the poison came out during the churning of the ocean between the gods and demons, the entire creation was in trouble. Then Bholenath, out of compassion, consumed it and saved the creation. That is why, on this day, Jalabhishek and Rudrabhishek have special significance, so that devotees can receive the grace and welfare energy of Lord Shiva.

Mahashivratri Vrat and Puja Vidhi

On the day of Mahashivratri, devotees keep fast throughout the day and do Ratri Jagran. Four prahars of worship are specially done, in which Shivling is anointed with water, milk, curd, honey, ghee, Gangajal and Belpatra. Each prahar has a special anointment method—

First prahar: Abhishek with water and milk

Second prahar: Abhishek with curd and honey

Third prahar: Abhishek with ghee and sugarcane juice

Fourth prahar: Offering Gangajal and Belpatra

Chanting the mantra “Om Namah Shivaya” on this day is considered extremely fruitful. This mantra is the simplest and most effective means of attaining the grace of Shiva.

Significance of Shivaratri and meditation

Mahashivratri is the best occasion for self-introspection and meditation. Lord Shiva is called Yogeshwar; he is the symbol of meditation, samadhi and enlightenment. Meditating on this day gives stability to the mind and Shivatva can be experienced. Sages and saints believe that the spiritual energy is extremely strong on the night of Mahashivratri, due to which meditation leads to inner awakening and purification.

Divine Conclusion of Prayagraj Mahakumbh on Mahashivratri

This year’s Mahashivratri has become even more special as the divine conclusion of Mahakumbh 2025 is taking place in Prayagraj on this day. Prayagraj, which is the confluence of Ganga, Yamuna and invisible Saraswati, will organize the last bath of Mahakumbh. Millions of devotees will take a dip at the Sangam bank and immerse themselves in Shiva worship.

Mahakumbh is not just a religious event, but a great festival of faith, meditation and sadhana. When it concludes on the day of Shivaratri, it will become a huge center of spiritual energy for the entire universe. The Sangam bank of Prayagraj will reverberate with the divine sounds of “Har Har Mahadev” and it will be a rare coincidence for the devotees, when they will be able to take a holy bath and worship Lord Shiva simultaneously.

Be Shivamay, Fill Life with Divinity

This festival of Mahashivratri gives us a rare opportunity to experience the infinite grace of Lord Shiva. On this day, worship Bholenath with full devotion, join his procession and bring his guidance into your life and move towards happiness, peace and salvation by adopting Shivatva.

Om Namah Shivaya! Har Har Mahadev!