New Delhi: Mahashivratri, or Shivratri, is a sacred Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Shiva. On Mahashivratri, devotees of Lord Shiva worship him, seeking divine blessings. This year, for Mahashivratri, show your dedication to Lord Shiva by performing Shivratri puja at home on 26 February! By organising Shivratri puja at home, you will be able to perform all the rituals without any hassle. You will also avoid the long queues of devotees at temples.
Many call Mahashivratri the “Great Night of Shiva”. The festival of Mahashivratri celebrates the marriage of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati and is just a few days away! To celebrate Shivratri, wear clean clothes in auspicious colours such as green, red, orange, yellow, or white. Many devotees also observe a full day of fasting, usually a Nirjala (waterless) vrat, to demonstrate their love and devotion to Lord Shiva.
Follow these easy steps to perform a simple Shivratri puja at home with auspicious rituals!
The day before mahashivratri fasting: It is recommended to have only one meal before beginning your fast for Shivratri. This will ensure that your digestive system is clear.
On mahashivratri day: Start your Mahashivratri day by waking up early and taking a bath. You can also add black sesame seeds to the water. If you have Ganga Jal at home, bathe with it.
Morning Ritual: After bathing, it is time to take a vow (Sankalp). You should take a vow to fast for the entire day and seek Lord Shiva’s blessings for the strength to complete the fast without any obstacles.
Fasting Rules: Devotees should observe a fast during the daytime. You can observe a Nirjala fast, a Phalahar fast, or a partial fast. Consumption of fruits and milk is suggested during the daytime for devotees following a Phalahar or a partial fast, which should then be followed by strict fasting at night.
Evening Bath: Take a second bath before the evening puja (ritual).
Since you are performing Shivratri puja at home, make a Shiva Linga with mud and apply ghee to it before performing Abhishek puja at home.
Night Puja: Perform Shiva puja once or four times during the night, dividing the night into four parts (prahar). Devotees who wish to perform a single puja should do so at midnight. Chant the mantra Om Namah Shivaya throughout the puja.
For Abhishek of the Shiva Linga:
Use different materials for Abhishek during each prahar:
First Prahar: Water Abhishek
Second prahaar: Curd Abhishek
Third prahaar: Ghee Abhishek
Fourth Prahara: Honey Abhishek, along with other materials such as milk, rose water, sandalwood paste, yoghurt, ghee, and sugar
Post-Puja:
Decorate the Shiva Linga with bilva leaves, apply chandan or kumkum, and light a lamp and dhupa. You can also use Madar flowers and vibhuti to adorn Lord Shiva.
Breaking the Fast: Bathe and break the fast the next morning, between sunrise and the end of Chaturdashi Tithi.
Follow these simple steps to ensure that your Shivratri puja is completed with all the correct rituals and customs. Perform all the steps with full devotion while worshipping Lord Shiva this Mahashivratri on 26 February!
