Maha Shivratri

About Maha Shivratri

Maha Shivratri is a night of worship dedicated to Bhagwan Shiva. Devotees use the observance for prayer, fasting, temple darshan, meditation and remembrance of Shiva. Unlike celebrations centred mainly on daytime festivities, Maha Shivratri is especially associated with worship through the night.

How devotees observe the night

Practices differ by family, temple and tradition. Common observances include fasting or a simplified diet, visiting a Shiva temple, offering water and bilva leaves to the Shiva linga, performing or attending abhishekam, chanting Shiva names and remaining awake for prayer. Many temples conduct several rounds of worship during the night.

Prayer and devotional practice

Two widely used Shiva prayers on Darshn are Om Namah Shivaya and the Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra. Devotees may chant according to their own family or sampradaya practice rather than treating one sequence as compulsory for everyone.

Temple connection

Maha Shivratri is observed at Shiva temples across India, including Jyotirlinga shrines and local Shiva mandirs. Darshn connects this festival with Shiva and relevant temple guides so visitors can move from the festival to the deity, prayers and sacred places associated with Shiva.

Planning your observance

Temple opening hours, abhishekam arrangements, queues and local customs can change for Maha Shivratri. Check the temple's current instructions before travelling. Festival dates shown on Darshn are displayed as verified only when the underlying occurrence has been governed and verified.