Maha Shivaratri
GujaratiAlso known as: Shivaratri, Mahashivratri, Shiva Ratri
Maha Shivaratri
About Maha Shivaratri
Maha Shivaratri, the Great Night of Shiva, is celebrated on the 13th day of the dark fortnight in Phalguna. It commemorates Lord Shivas cosmic dance, his marriage to Parvati, and the consumption of poison during Samudra Manthan.
In Gujarat, devotees observe a night-long vigil, performing puja to Lord Shiva with Bel leaves, milk, and water. Temples see massive gatherings throughout the night.
The fast is considered one of the most powerful in Hinduism, believed to grant moksha from the cycle of birth and death. Devotees stay awake through the night.
Married women worship Shiva for their husbands well-being, while unmarried women pray for a good spouse.
Vrat Vidhi & Fasting Rules
Devotees observe a strict fast, consuming only fruits and milk, and stay awake through the night.
- Wake before dawn and take a ritual bath.
- Observe a strict fast.
- Visit Shiva temple for puja.
- Stay awake through the night chanting mantras.
- Break the fast the next morning.
Parana (Breaking Fast) Note: The fast is broken the next morning after taking a bath and morning puja.
Puja Samagri & Ritual Steps
- Clean the Shiva temple or home altar.
- Pour water and milk over the Shiva lingam.
- Offer Bel leaves, flowers, and bhasma.
- Light incense and perform aarti.
- Chant Om Namah Shivaya throughout the night.
- Stay awake and sing bhajans.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
It commemorates Shivas cosmic dance, marriage to Parvati, and the consumption of poison during Samudra Manthan.
Yes, married women observe it for their husbands well-being, and unmarried women for a good spouse.
Note: All timings are represented in 24-hour notation in local time of the selected location with DST adjustment (if applicable).
Hours which are past midnight are suffixed with next day date. In Panchang, a day starts and ends with local sunrise.
Recommended Pages
Comprehensive annual Hindu calendar with tithis and festivals.
Detailed month-wise view of lunar tithis and celestial events.
Marathi Panchang and festive dates for the year.
Gujarati Vikram Samvat calendar and festivals.
Telugu calendar and festive Panchangam details.
Tamil solar calendar dates and monthly Panchangam.