Maha Shivratri 2025: Held in February or March each year, Mahashivratri is a significant Hindu holiday honoring Lord Shiva. The victory over ignorance and darkness is symbolized by the night of Lord Shiva’s beautiful dance. Maha Shivratri is a lavish event that takes place on the thirteenth or fourteenth night of the waning moon, although Shivratri happens every month.

Worshiping Lord Shiva, devotees hope to get his blessings and advance spiritually. This holy day is a time for introspection, worship, and establishing a spiritual bond. This year, on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, Hindus will celebrate Maha Shivratri.

See below for all the important information about the Prahar puja timings, importance, and puja vidhi to worship Mahadev, as well as the Nishita Kaal puja muhurat:

Date and Time for Maha Shivratri in 2025 Date: Wednesday, February 26, 2025

The start time of Chaturdashi Tithi is 11:08 AM on February 26, 2025.

The end time of Chaturdashi Tithi is 08:54 AM on February 27, 2025.

Maha Shivratri 2025: Muhurat by Nishita Kaal
On February 27, 2025, Nishita Kaal Muhurat is scheduled from 12:08 AM to 12:57 AM on Maha Shivratri.

Prahar Timings for the First Prahar Puja of Maha Shivratri 2025 From 06:28 till 9:30 p.m.

– Second Prahar Puja of Ratri Time: February 27, 2025, 9:30 p.m. to 12:32 a.m.

Third Prahar Puja of Ratri Time: February 27, 2025, 12:32 AM–03:34 AM

Fourth Prahar Puja of Ratri Time: February 27, 2025, 03:34–06:37 AM

The Importance of Maha Shivratri in 2025
In Hinduism, Maha Shivratri commemorates the celestial marriage of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Legend has it that fasting and worshiping Lord Shiva on this day yields spiritual rewards that are equal to a year’s worth of intense devotion. In addition, women offer prayers to Lord Shiva, asking him to provide their husbands the strength and omnipotence that the Lord himself has.

In a different narrative, Lord Shiva ate the lethal poison Halahala to rescue the world in Samudra Manthan. Neelkanth revered him for this valiant deed, which made his neck blue. Devotees thank Lord Shiva on Maha Shivratri for his noble deed of saving the world from annihilation.

According to a third mythology, a giant Lingam appeared to resolve a dispute between Brahma and Vishnu over dominance. In the shape of the Lingam, Lord Shiva manifested, proclaiming himself to be superior and deserving of devotion. Rudrabhishek is still presented to Shivling in order to please Lord Shiva and get his blessings.
Puja Vidhi for Maha Shivratri 2025

In order to start their Mahashivratri festivities, devotees get up early, take a bath, and change into new clothing. Worshippers then serve the Shiva Lingam honey, milk, water, and Bel-Patra during a ceremonial bath at home or a visit to the closest temple. Chanting chants and the ‘Om Namah Shivaya’ mantra, they adore Lord Shiva day and night.

Before doing Shiva Puja or going to the temple in the evening, devotees take a second bath. They usually do the Puja at night, and after having a bath the next morning, they break their fast. To get the most out of the Vrat, devotees must break their fast between daybreak and the conclusion of Chaturdashi Tithi.

The Shivaratri Puja may also be performed once or four times throughout the night by devotees, who can divide the night into four Prahars to complete the Puja four times.