Maha Shivratri is one of India’s most celebrated Hindu festivals. In 2025, people will celebrate this auspicious Hindu festival on 26th February, with the festival usually occurring in February or March. The festival is a celebration of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati and is celebrated by devotees all across India. Devotees across India observe fasts, participate in rituals, and engage in self-reflection. If you too celebrate this festival every year, here’s a helpful guide for Maha Shivratri 2025 for you!
Significance of Maha Shivratri
Maha Shivratri literally translates to ‘the great night of Lord Shiva’. This night occurs on the fourteenth day of the Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight) of the Hindu lunar month of Phalguna.
Maha Shivratri has plenty of myths and legends about why it is celebrated, however, here are a few popular ones:
One legend states that this day marks the wedding of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Following the demise of Goddess Sati, Lord Shiva fell into a profound state of meditation. Eventually, the gods reincarnated Sati as Goddess Parvati, and she married Shiva.
Those who believe this legend also believe that the day is a celebration of the great union of these two deities. The union of Lord Shiva’s masculine energy and Goddess Parvati’s feminine energy symbolizes harmony in nature, and that both the masculine and feminine are important to sustain the balance of the world.
There is another legend that states that on Maha Shivratri, Lord Shiva performed the cosmic dance of Tandava. This dance has many forms, with its more destructive aspects well-known among devotees. It symbolizes the cyclical nature of life and illustrates how creation and destruction are interconnected.
Another popular legend connects Maha Shivratri to the Samudra Manthan (churning of the cosmic ocean). During this event in Hindu mythology, a poison by the name of Halahala emerged from the ocean. To save the world from the havoc it would create, Lord Shiva consumed the Halahala.
This poison left his throat with a bluish tint, which is why he is also known by the name of ‘Neelkanth’ (the one with a blue throat).
How Is Maha Shivratri Celebrated?
On the day of Mahashivratri, devotees visit Shiva temples after an early morning bath. They preferably wear white, signifying peace and purity.
The devotees worship the Shiva lingam by offering it the bel leaves, milk, honey, and water, called the Abhishekam. They also hold a rigorous fast that ends the next day.
The fast not only has religious significance but also a scientific explanation – it gives the person a much-needed break from hard to digest food consumed regularly and aids digestion.
Many temples hold elaborate rituals and prayers to honor Lord Shiva, including bhajans and kirtans (devotional songs). The festival is celebrated not only during the day but also at night, as many believe that Lord Shiva appeared on Earth at midnight to give his glimpse to his devotees. Additionally, this nighttime observance holds significant importance in the festival’s rituals.
Maha Shivratri 2025 In Important Temples Across India
Lord Shiva is worshipped across India in the form of the 12 Jyotirlingams – ‘an eternal pillar of light’. These holy shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva are spread throughout the country and devotees from all over the world visit these places.
During Maha Shivratri, these temples get especially crowded as the day is the most auspicious event for believers of Shiva. The 12 Jyotirlingams are as mentioned below:
1. Somnath, Gujarat: It is considered to be the first Jyotirlingam on Earth and the temple has been destroyed and reconstructed several times in history.
2. Mallikarjuna, Andhra Pradesh: The temple is known as the ‘Kailash of the South’ due to its spiritual significance. The elaborate temple shares its grounds with the temple of Goddess Bhramaramba.
3. Mahakaleshwar, Madhya Pradesh: The temple, located on the banks of the sacred river Shipra in Ujjain, is famous for its Bhasma Aarti.
4. Omkareshwar, Madhya Pradesh: It is situated on the ‘Om’ shaped Mandhata Island on the Narmada River.
5. Kedarnath, Uttarakhand: The pilgrim spot also makes it to the Char Dham Yatra and is situated in the mighty Himalayas. Despite its remote location, it is one of the most famous temples in India.
6. Bhimashankar, Maharashtra: This Jyotirlingam is situated close to the Bhima River and is surrounded by the lush greenery of Maharashtra’s Sahyadri Ranges.
7. Kashi Vishwanath, Uttar Pradesh: The temple, situated in the spiritual capital of India – Kashi, is also known as the ‘Golden Temple of Kashi’ due to its gold-plated spire.
8. Trimbakeshwar, Maharashtra: It is situated near the origin of the holy Godavari River, and houses a lingam with three faces – that of Lords Shiva, Vishnu, and Brahma.
9. Vaidyanath, Jharkhand: The Vaidya (healer) form of Lord Shiva is worshipped here and it is believed that visiting the temple will bless devotees with health and wealth.
10. Nageshwar, Gujarat: Many believe that the Jyotirlingam has the power to protect from all kinds of poison, negative forces, and evil energies.
11. Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu: According to Hindu mythology, it is here that Rama prayed to Lord Shiva to seek forgiveness for killing Ravana.
12. Grushneshwar, Maharashtra: The temple was built during the reign of the famous Indian queen Ahilyabai Holkar and is situated near the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Ellora Caves.
Besides these famous temples, people celebrate Maha Shivratri in a grand way at plenty of smaller temples in almost every city and town in India.
Note that these temples witness a particularly large crowd on Maha Shivratri, so we recommend planning your trip in advance.
Maha Shivratri 2025: Important Timings To Know
Chaturdashi Tithi: February 26, 2025 – 11:08 AM (begins)
Chaturdashi Tithi: February 27, 2025 – 08:54 AM (ends)
Nishita Kaal Puja: February 27, 2025 – 12:08 AM to 12:58 AM
Shivaratri Parana: February 27, 2025 – 06:47 AM to 08:54 AM
Other Important Temples And Places To Visit For Maha Shivratri
Besides the ones mentioned above, here are other places and temples you can visit to attend Maha Shivratri celebrations:
- Isha Yoga Center, Coimbatore: This religious center founded by famous spiritual guru, Sadhguru, hosts a grand Maha Shivratri celebration full of dance, music, and night-long satsangs.
- Babulnath Temple, Mumbai: The temple situated in the Girgaon area of Mumbai, is one of the oldest temples in Mumbai and is a must-visit spot when in the city.
- Lokanatha Temple, Puri: As per legends, the shiva lingam in this temple has been established by Lord Rama, making it even more special for devotees who visit the temple on Maha Shivratri.
- Matangeshwar Temple, Khajuraho: Believers believe that the shiv lingam here is a living one, meaning that it grows a little each year. Besides, when you’re in Khajuraho at this temple, you can also attend the Khajuraho Dance Festival!
Summing Up
We will celebrate Maha Shivratri 2025 on 26th February across India. You can visit any Shiva temple near your home on this day or travel to some of the most famous Shiva temples in India to celebrate the festival or simply soak in the spiritual atmosphere.
May You Like Also: Khajuraho Dance Festival 2025
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Is Maha Shivratri A Gazetted Holiday?
Yes, Maha Shivratri is a gazetted holiday in India. The Government of India declares a gazetted holiday as a day off.
What Is The Difference Between Shivratri And Maha Shivratri?
A Shivratri is celebrated every month on the fourteenth day of the Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight). However, the Shivratri celebrated in the month of Phalguna is considered to be more auspicious. It is known by the name of Maha Shivratri.
Why Do We Fast On Shivratri?
People fast on Shivratri as it is considered to purify one’s soul and body and improve focus and digestion. Fasting not only has spiritual significance but practical relevance too in this manner.
