Maha Shivaratri
NepaliAlso known as: Shivaratri, Mahashivratri
Maha Shivaratri
About Maha Shivaratri
Maha Shivaratri, the great night of Lord Shiva, is celebrated on the 14th day of the dark fortnight in Falgun (February-March). It is one of the most important Hindu festivals in Nepal.
In Nepal, millions of devotees gather at Pashupatinath Temple to offer prayers, pour milk over Shiva lingams, and chant 'Om Namah Shivaya' throughout the night.
Devotees observe strict fasting throughout the day and night, performing night-long vigils and devotional singing.
The festival commemorates the cosmic dance of Lord Shiva (Tandava) and the night he appeared as a column of infinite fire (Jyotirlinga).
Vrat Vidhi & Fasting Rules
A strict nirjala fast (without food or water) is observed throughout the day and night.
- Take a ritual bath before dawn.
- Observe a complete fast throughout the day and night.
- Visit Shiva temples for the night-long vigil.
- Chant Om Namah Shivaya and offer bilva leaves.
Parana (Breaking Fast) Note: The fast is broken the next morning after the morning Shiva puja.
Puja Samagri & Ritual Steps
- Clean and decorate the Shiva altar.
- Offer bilva leaves and flowers to Lord Shiva.
- Perform abhishekam with milk and water.
- Chant Om Namah Shivaya throughout the night.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Nepal is home to Pashupatinath, one of the most sacred Shiva temples in the world, attracting millions of devotees.
The night-long vigil symbolises the devotee's dedication to Lord Shiva and the overcoming of darkness through spiritual awakening.
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.