Maha Shivaratri 2024 Date

Maha Shivratri appears in the month of February every year. There are several legends connected to this auspicious day. Mahashivratri is an essential festival of Hindus. The festival is celebrated as the meeting of Shiva and Shakti. As per the Drik Panchang, Maha Shivratri falls on Chaturdashi during the Krishna Paksha in the month of Magha month of Indian calendar. Devotees of Lord Shiva visit nearby temple and worship Lord Shiva and Maa Parvati, pray, chant mantras, prepare Prasad, and observe fasts on this day. By doing so, people seek blessings of Lord Shiva. The Nishita Kaal Puja Time starts from 12:00 am to 01:00 am  and Shivaratri Parana Time takes place from 07: 00 am to 03:00 pm. Maha Shivratri 2024 date is Fri, 8 Mar, 2024.

Story Behind Maha Shivratri

Maha Shivratri is a renowned festival of Hindus. The day commemorates the marriage of Lord Shiva and Maa Parvati. As per the Hindu mythology, Lord Shiva married Maa Shakti, for a second time on this night. It is the celebration of union and celebrated as the “The Night of Lord Shiva”. Lord Shiva signifies Purusha (the mindfulness) and Maa Parvati signifies Prakriti – (nature). This union of energy promotes creation.

• As per the other legend, while creating the universe, Lord Shiva was incarnated as Lord Rudra during the mid night of Maha Shivaratri. It is believed that on this night, Lord Shiva performed his cosmic dance of preservation, creation, and destruction when he heard the consort of Maa Sati's immolation. This heavenly dance is popular as Rudra Tandav among his devotees.
• Shiva is the energy that aims at believing that every living being is alive. We eat, breathe, walk, and carry out our daily activities all because of Lord Shiva. This energy from Lord Shiva is seen in Non-Living things as well. Thus Shiva derives existence.
• Another story behind Maha Shivratri, Gods and demons churned the ocean to acquire ambrosia lay in depth, a pot of poison. Lord Shiva consumed the entire poison and saved Gods and mankind. Lord Shiva lodged this poison resultantly saving Gods and mankind. Due to poison, Lord Shiva’s throat tuned blue due to poison. And to honor the world’s savior, Shiv Ratri is celebrated.
• One more story behind the celebration of this festival is that Goddess Ganga came down from heaven and Lord Shiva caught her in hair locks and released on Earth as a stream. This prevented the destruction of Earth and as a tribute to Lord Shiva, the Shiva Linga is bathed in the night time.
• As per the legends the formless God Sadashiv appeared as Lingodhbhav Moorthi in the midnight. People awake the entire night offering prayers to God. Hence, people stay awake all night and offer prayers to the God.

What to do on Mahashivratri?

People meditate and celebrate Lord Shiva on Maha Shivratri. Check the things to do on Maha Shivratri:

• Observe Fasting
• Meditate
• Chant Om Namah Shivaya
• Attend Mahashivratri Puja or Rudra Puja
• Worship the Shivalinga

Maha Shivratri 2025 Date

Maha Shivratri 2025 date is Wed, 26 Feb, 2025. We keep updating the dates. Please check this page for Maha Shivratri 2025 dates.