Mahashivratri is such a holy festival which holds special significance for Shiva devotees. This is such a night which praises the glory of Shiv Shakti and is celebrated every year on the Chaturdashi tithi of Krishna Paksha of Falgun month. Mahashivratri 2025 will also be celebrated with the same enthusiasm and devotion.
Date and significance of Mahashivratri 2025
This year, the date of Mahashivratri 2025 is on 26 February. This day is a special occasion for devotees in which they worship Lord Shiva and observe a fast to seek his blessings.
Mythological Stories of Mahashivratri
There are many mythological stories related to Maha Shivaratri which make this festival even more sacred.
Story of Shiv-Parvati marriage
According to a famous story, on this day Lord Shiva and Maa Parvati got married. For Shiva devotees, this day is a day of joy which is a reflection of the unity of Shiv and Shakti.
The story of Samudra Manthan
According to another story, when the Samudra Manthan was happening, the Halahal poison started coming out. To save the world, Lord Shiva held this poison on his tongue and held it in his ears. Due to this, his ears became blue and he was called ‘Neelkanth’.
Mahashivratri 2025 Fast and Worship Method
Importance of fasting
Fasting on the day of Mahashivratri has its own importance. It is said that the devotee who fasts on this day and worships Lord Shiva, all his sins are washed away and he attains salvation.
Method of worship
Milk and water – Bathe Shivling with milk and water.
Bel leaf – Offering bel leaf to Lord Shiva brings his blessings.
Bhasm – Bhasm has more importance for Shiva devotees.
Rudraksha Mala – Chanting Rudraksha Mala is considered auspicious.
Rules for fasting on Mahashivratri
According to Mahashivratri fast, devotees should observe Nirjala or Phalahar fast for the whole day.
Nirjal Vrat: pledge not to drink water
Phalahar Vrat: consume fruits and milk
One time meal: Satvik meal after Shiv Puja at night
Astrological significance of Mahashivratri 2025
Mahashivratri is not just a religious festival but also holds astrological significance. It is said that whoever worships Lord Shiva on this day, his wishes are fulfilled. On this day, meditation, chanting and tapa also have special significance.
Mahashivaratri and Yog
Lord Shiva is called Yogeshwar. That is why yoga and meditation have special importance on the day of Mahashivratri. This is such a night in which you can experience a new energy within you.
Frequently Asked Questions
1 Why is this Maha Shivratri celebrated?
Maha Shivratri is a significant festival celebrated annually by Lord Shiva’s devotees. It marks the marriage of Lord Shiva and Maa Parvati, known as “Shiv ki raat,” or “The Great Night of Shiva.” Devotees keep vigil, sing bhajans, and chant mantras throughout the night.
On this day, Lord Shiva manifested as the infinite Jyotirlinga, Lingodbhav, symbolizing his divinity. Worship involves offering water, milk, curd, honey, and bel leaves.
Maha Shivratri represents freedom from stress and negativity, and it symbolizes the awakening and purification of the soul. Many observe a fast, chant Shiva’s name, and stay awake all night in his remembrance.
2 What is the difference between Shivratri and Mahashivratri?
Shivratri and Mahashivratri are both holy days dedicated to Lord Shiva but differ significantly. Shivratri occurs monthly on the Chaturdashi tithi of Krishna Paksha and is a day for worshipping the Shivling with water, milk, and belpatra. While meaningful, its significance is relatively minor.
Mahashivratri, celebrated once a year, is far more important. It marks the marriage of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati and is believed to be the night Shiva manifested as an eternal Jyotirlinga. Devotees fast, keep vigil, pray, and perform Rudrabhishek on this night, which symbolizes spiritual awakening and the purification of the soul.
In essence, Shivratri is a monthly observance, whereas Mahashivratri is a major annual celebration with deep spiritual importance.
3. When was Shiva born?
Lord Shiva is considered to be unborn, meaning he has no beginning or end and is self-existent. According to the Vedas and Puranas, Shiva existed before creation and will continue to exist after the end of the universe. His nature transcends time, place, and physical form. Some people observe Maha Shivratri as the day of his appearance, when he manifested to Brahma and Vishnu in the form of Agni Stambh (Jyoti Linga). Therefore, it can be said that Shiva was never born but has always existed. He is both formless and incarnate, and therein lies his glory.
4 What to eat during Shivratri fast?
During the Shivratri fast, people consume satvik and fruit-based foods, which typically do not include grains or salt. You can have dishes like sabudana khichdi, fasting potatoes, buckwheat flour puris, sand inghara flour halwa, as well as various fruits and dry fruits. Sendha salt is permitted during the fast. Dairy products such as milk, curd, and butter, which are beloved by Lord Shiva, can also be consumed. The primary purpose of fasting is to gain control over the mind and senses; therefore, eating light, pure, and devotional food is considered ideal.
5 Who is Shiva’s father?
Lord Shiva is considered Swayambhu, meaning self-created. He was not born, so there is no mention of his parents. According to the Vedas and Puranas, Lord Shiva manifested by himself at the beginning of creation; he was neither born from anyone nor created by anyone. This is why he has no birth date or father. He embodies a great element in himself, existing beyond the cycles of destruction and rebirth. He is a companion of Shakti and the lord of time. He is referred to as Mahadev because he is the god of gods.
6 Who is lord shiva in islam?
Islam and Hinduism have different religious perspectives, which is why there is no direct mention of Lord Shiva in Islam. In Islam, only one God, Allah, is worshipped; He is neither born nor does He end, and He is the creator of all. However, some Sufi scholars and those engaged in comparative theology suggest that Lord Shiva could be understood as a “Supreme Being” or “cosmic power.” This interpretation shares some similarities with Islamic titles such as “Qayyum” (the self-existing) and “Al-Awwal” (the first). It’s important to note that this is merely a philosophical view, as each religion maintains its own distinct identity and dignity.
7 What are the 12 names of Shiva?
Mahadev – the greatest god, revered as the god of gods.
Shambhu – the one who brings happiness.
Shankar – the one who performs good deeds.
Rudra – the powerful god embodying all qualities (gunas).
Neelkanth – the one who consumes poison and has a blue mark on his neck.
Nataraj – the lord of dance and protector of women.
Bholenath – the god characterized by innocence and kindness.
Trilochan – the one with three eyes.
Gangadhar – the one in whose hair Mother Ganga resides.
Ardhanarishwar – a divine form that embodies both Shiva and Shakti.
Pashupatinath – the lord of all living beings.
Kailashnath – the lord of Mount Kailash.
8 Who are the five daughters of Lord Shiva?
Many people believe that Lord Shiva had only two sons, Kartikeya and Ganesha. However, in various folk tales and Shakti traditions, there is mention of Shiva and Parvati’s five daughters: Ashok Sundari, Jyoti, Anusuya, Manasa, and Dhurti.
Ashok Sundari is mentioned in the Padma Purana and is said to have been born to Parvati from a tree (Vriksha). Manasa Devi is recognized as the goddess of snakes and is considered by some to be another daughter of Shiva. The other daughters, whilst less well-known, are part of ancient and folk beliefs and are worshipped in different regions.