Maha Shivratri is one of the most celebrated festivals in India. This festival is dedicated to Lord Shiva, and devotees spend their day offering their prayers to Lord Shiva and wishing for their happiness and success.According to Hindu mythology, Maha Shivratri has great significance as it marks the combination of Shiva and Shakti, the divine energies together. According to our mythology, it is believed that on this night, Lord Shiva performed the Tandava which is also called as the cosmic dance of creation, preservation, and destruction. The process of the creation is considered to be the most powerful timeframe. Devotees believe that worshipping Lord Shiva on Maha Shivratri helps in gaining moksha (liberation). The festival is also associated with the union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati when they got married. This symbolizes the union of divine energies.Preparations for Maha Shivratri: Devotees start the preparations for Maha Shivratri well in advance. Devotees clean their homes and create a sacred space for the puja/offer prayers to Lord Shiv. The following items are essential for the Maha Shivratri puja: According to the mythology, the Maha Shivratri puja is performed with great devotion and involves several rituals and a lot of time. Here is a step-by-step guide to the Pooja Vidhi: Morning Rituals: Devotees wake up early in the morning, take a holy bath, and wear clean clothes to cleanse themselves. They then take a vow (Sankalp) to keep a fast for the whole day and perform the puja with devotion. Setting Up the Puja Area: A clean and sacred space is chosen for the puja. A wooden plank (chowki) is placed and covered with a clean cloth on it. The Shiva Linga, or idol of Lord Shiva, is placed on the chowki. Offering Gangajal: The puja begins by offering Gangajal to the Shiva Linga or idol, symbolizing the purification of the soul. Abhishekam: The Shiva Linga is then worshipped with milk, curd, honey, ghee, and sugar. This ritual, known as Abhishekam, is performed while chanting mantras such as the Mahamrityunjaya Mantra or Om Namah Shivaya that are related to Lord Shiv. Offering Bilva Leaves and Flowers: Bilva leaves, flowers, and fruits are offered to the Shiva Linga. Bilva leaves are considered highly auspicious and are believed to please Lord Shiva for ages. Applying Sandalwood Paste and Vibhuti: Sandalwood paste (chandan) and vibhuti (sacred ash) are applied to the Shiva Linga. This symbolizes the purity and devotion of the devotees towards God. Lighting the Diya and Performing Aarti: An oil lamp (diya) is lit with a mantra, and the aarti is performed using camphor, and an aarti song is sung. The aarti is recited loudly, and devotees sing hymns and bhajans in praise of Lord Shiva for saving and taking care of the earth. Chanting Mantras: Devotees chant sacred mantras that are dedicated to Lord Shiva throughout the day and night. The most favorable period for performing Shiv Puja is during Nishita Kaal, which is from 12:09 AM to 12:59 AM on February 27, 2025, which is the night of Maha Shivratri.Fasting is a crucial part of Maha Shivratri. Devotees keep a strict fast, refraining from consuming food amd some people would have water and fruits to keep their mind and heart not distracted and pure. The fast is broken the next morning after performing the final puja after offering prayers all night to Lord Shiv. Night vigil is also known as Jagran, is another crucial aspect of Maha Shivratri. Devotees stay awake all night, singing bhajans, chanting mantras, and meditating on Lord Shiva to please God. The night is divided into four prahars (phases), and special pujas are performed during each prahar to please god and turn your wishes into reality. ALSO READ: Maha Shivratri 2025: Dry Day alert in THESE major cities, Here's why Rituals to Manifest Your Wishes: Meditation and Visualization: It is said that the devotees should spend time meditating and visualizing their desires. Focus on your goals and imagine them being fulfilled with the blessings of Lord Shiva in front of your eyes. Chanting Mantras: Chanting powerful mantras such as the Mahamrityunjaya Mantra and Om Namah Shivaya can help in manifesting your wishes into reality with the blessings. These mantras are believed to invoke the divine energy of Lord Shiva and bring positive changes in your life when you chant with utmost devotion. Offering Prayers: Offer sincere prayers to Lord Shiva, expressing your desires and seeking his blessings. Light a diya and incense sticks while offering your prayers to cleanse the environment around you to keep you away from distraction. Writing Your Wishes: Write down your wishes on a piece of paper and place it near the Shiva Linga or idol on the night of Shiv Ratri. This act symbolizes your faith and devotion, and it is believed that Lord Shiva will grant your wishes with divine blessings. Donating to the Needy: Donation is crucial on Maha Shivratri. Donate food, clothes, or money to the needy, and seek their blessings. This act of selflessness is believed to attract positive energy and help in manifesting your wishes. Maha Shivratri is a chance for us to manifest our wishes with utmost devotion. Here’s all you need to do on Maha Shivratri to turn your dreams into reality. You can follow these steps on this day to gain the power within.ALSO READ: Maha Shivratri 2025: Why women should not touch Shivling? Read On