Maha Shivaratri 2025, a significant Hindu festival annually commemorating Lord Shiva, marks the union of Shiva and Parvati.
The festival coincides with the culmination of winter (late February or early March) or the cusp of summer. As a pivotal festival for Hindus, it serves as a platform for offering prayers to dispel darkness and ignorance within one’s life. The auspicious occasion of Maha Shivaratri in 2025 will be celebrated on Wednesday, February 26th.
This Maha Shivaratri 2025, a rare celestial alignment will take place after 60 years, allowing devotees an opportunity to make the most of out of it and seek the lord’s blessings.
This Mahashivratri holds even more significance. Why is that? Well, this Mahashivratri will witness a rare celestial alignment, which last occurred 60 years ago, in the year 1965. As per the Panchang, the festival will be celebrated under the auspices of Dhanishta Nakshatra, Parigha Yoga, Shakuni Karana, and the Moon in Capricorn. Now, if you’re still wondering what all this means, let me break it down for you. This celestial alignment involves the conjunction of three major planets: the Sun, Mercury, and Saturn.
Maha Shivaratri 2025 Puja Muhurta:
The festival of Maha Shivaratri is observed during Nishita Kaal (midnight). The Chaturdashi Tithi will begin on February 26 at 12:09 AM and end on February 27 at 12:59 AM. Devotees are encouraged to perform four Prahar (nightly) pujas to attain wealth, prosperity, and success.
Four Prahar Puja Timings:
Ratri First Prahar Puja Time – 06:19 PM to 09:26 PM
Ratri Second Prahar Puja Time – 09:26 PM to 12:34 AM, Feb 27
Ratri Third Prahar Puja Time – 12:34 AM to 03:41 AM, Feb 27
Ratri Fourth Prahar Puja Time – 03:41 AM to 06:48 AM, Feb 27
Chaturdashi Tithi Begins – 11:08 AM on Feb 26, 2025
Chaturdashi Tithi Ends – 08:54 AM on Feb 27, 2025
Sacred Chants to Please Lord Shiva on Maha Shivaratri 2025
On Maha Shivratri, chanting powerful Shiva mantras is believed to invoke his divine blessings, bringing peace, prosperity, and protection from negativity. Here are the most effective and easy-to-recite mantras for this auspicious occasion.
1. Shiva Moola Mantra
ॐनमःशिवाय
Om Namah Shivaya
2. Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra
ॐत्र्यम्बकंयजामहेसुगन्धिंपुष्टिवर्धनम्
उर्वारुकमिवबन्धनान्मृत्योर्मुक्षीयमामृतात्
Om Tryambakam Yajamahe Sugandhim Pushti-Vardhanam
Urvarukamiva Bandhanan Mrityormukshiya Mamritat
3. Rudra Gayatri Mantra
ॐतत्पुरुषायविद्महेमहादेवायधीमहि
तन्नोरुद्रःप्रचोदयात्
Om Tatpurushaya Vidmahe Mahadevaya Dhimahi
Tanno Rudrah Prachodayat
Here is the list of Mantras for every Sanatani.
Maha Shivaratri Story
Maha Shivaratri, a significant Hindu festival, commemorates Lord Shiva’s Tandava dance, the union of Shiva and Parvati, and the consumption of the Halahala poison. Devotees engage in fasting, reciting Shiva mantras, and offering prayers for blessings. Lord Shiva is revered as Neelkanth, meaning “Blue-Throated One,” for overcoming the Halahala poison.
Top Places to Visit on Maha Shivaratri 2025
Maha Shivratri, a revered Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Shiva, is a time of profound devotion and spiritual enlightenment. Throughout India, devotees flock to iconic Shiva temples to seek blessings and participate in grand celebrations.
Should you plan a pilgrimage during Maha Shivratri 2025, here are some of the most sacred destinations to immerse yourself in the divine energy of this auspicious occasion.
1. Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Varanasi
One of the most revered Jyotirlingas, the Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi undergoes a profound transformation into a sacred spiritual centre during the Maha Shivratri festival. Devotees congregate for elaborate rituals such as the Shiva Abhishekam and Rudrabhishek, while the captivating Ganga Aarti performed at Dashashwamedh Ghat further enhances the divine ambience.
Location: Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
2. Somnath Temple, Gujarat
Somnath Temple in Gujarat is revered as the first of the twelve Jyotirlingas, symbolizing Lord Shiva’s eternal presence. It holds deep spiritual and historical significance, having been reconstructed multiple times after invasions, standing as a testament to faith and devotion.
📍 Location: Prabhas Patan, Gujarat
3. Kedarnath Temple, Uttarakhand
Despite the closure of Kedarnath Temple during the winter months, devotees make a pilgrimage to Ukhimath, where the deity is revered during the Maha Shivratri festival. The tranquil Himalayan ambience and profound devotion create an unparalleled spiritual sanctuary.
📍 Location: Ukhimath (Winter Seat of Kedarnath), Uttarakhand
4. Mahakaleshwar Temple, Ujjain
The Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga in Ujjain is renowned for its illustrious Bhasma Aarti, a distinctive ritual wherein sacred ash is presented to Lord Shiva. Maha Shivratri here is celebrated with grand processions, devotional hymns, and a midnight darshan of Mahakal.
📍 Location: Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh
5. Pashupatinath Temple, Nepal
For individuals seeking an international pilgrimage, the Pashupatinath Temple in Nepal holds immense reverence as a sacred Shiva shrine. The annual Maha Shivratri festival is celebrated with grand Hawans, devotional chants, and the gathering of thousands of sadhus, generating an aura of divine energy.
📍 Location: Kathmandu, Nepal
Significance of Maha Shivratri
• Festival Significance: Represents the triumph of light over darkness and the strength of devotion.
• Lord Shiva’s Appearance: Believed to have manifested as a Linga (Shivalinga) on this night.
• Devotee Benefits: Worshipping Lord Shiva on this night is thought to bring blessings of peace, health, and prosperity.
