Shiv Ratri 2025 - Date, Muhurat and Puja Vidhi

Maha Shivaratri in 2025 falls on Wednesday, February 26. The Chaturdashi Tithi, which is considered the most auspicious time for the puja, begins at 11:08 AM on February 26 and ends at 8:54 AM on February 27.

Detailed Vedic Customs for Performing Shivaratri Puja:

1. Preparation Before the Day of Shivaratri:

   • On the day prior to Shivaratri (Trayodashi), devotees should consume only one meal to prepare for the fasting.
     

2. Morning Rituals on Shivaratri:

   • Wake up early and take a bath, preferably adding black sesame seeds to the water for purification.

   • Perform your regular prayers and rituals.

   • Take a Sankalp (vow) to observe a full-day fast and to break the fast the following day.
     

3. Fasting Guidelines:

   • During the day, you may consume fruits and milk.

   • Strict fasting is observed during the night, which includes abstaining from food and water.
     

4. Evening Rituals:

   • Take a second bath in the evening before performing the Shiva Puja.

   • If visiting a temple, ensure you are clean and wear clean clothes.
     

5. Shiva Puja During the Night:

   • The night is divided into four Prahars (periods of approximately three hours each).
     

     • First Prahar (6:18 PM to 9:25 PM): Perform the first round of Shiva Puja.

     • Second Prahar (9:25 PM to 12:33 AM): Perform the second round of Shiva Puja.

     • Third Prahar (12:33 AM to 3:40 AM): Perform the third round of Shiva Puja.

     • Fourth Prahar (3:40 AM to 6:47 AM): Perform the fourth round of Shiva Puja.
       

6. Abhishek (Ritual Bathing of Shiva Linga):

   • During each Prahar, perform Abhishek with different substances:

     • First Prahar: Water

     • Second Prahar: Curd

     • Third Prahar: Ghee (clarified butter)

     • Fourth Prahar: Honey

   • Additionally, you can use milk, rose water, sandalwood paste, yogurt, honey, ghee, sugar, and water for Abhishek.
     

7. Offering Bilva Leaves:

   • Offer Bilva (Bael) leaves to the Shiva Linga, as they are considered highly auspicious.
     

8. Lighting Lamps and Incense:

   • Light a lamp (diya) and incense sticks (dhoop) to create a sacred atmosphere.
     

9. Chanting Mantras:

   • Chant the mantra "Om Namah Shivaya" during the puja.
     

10. Breaking the Fast:

    • After the final round of puja, take a bath and break the fast between sunrise and before the end of Chaturdashi Tithi (8:54 AM on February 27).
      

By following these Vedic customs, devotees seek the blessings of Lord Shiva for spiritual growth and well-being.