Mahashivratri holds great significance in Hinduism. Celebrated annually on the Chaturdashi Tithi of Krishna 
Paksha in the month of Phalguna, this festival is dedicated to Lord Shiva. On this day, devotees observe fasts, perform rituals, and worship Lord Shiva with devotion. It is believed that offering water, milk, Bilva leaves, and Dhatura to the Shivling pleases Lord Shiva, who fulfills the wishes of his devotees.
Mahashivratri 2025 Date & Panchang Details
According to the Vedic Panchang, this year’s Chaturdashi Tithi spans two days, creating confusion among devotees regarding the correct date for celebrating Mahashivratri.
🔸 Chaturdashi Tithi Begins – February 26, 2025 (Wednesday) at 11:08 AM
🔸 Chaturdashi Tithi Ends – February 27, 2025 (Thursday) at 08:54 AM
Although most Hindu fasts follow the Udaya Tithi (sunrise-based date), Mahashivratri is an exception as its significance lies in nighttime worship. Thus, Mahashivratri 2025 will be observed on February 26.
Mahashivratri 2025: Four Prahar Abhishek Timings
Performing ritualistic worship (Abhishek) of the Shivling during the four Prahars of the night is considered highly auspicious. Devotees should offer water, milk, honey, Ganga water, Bilva leaves, Dhatura, Bhang, and Chandan to Lord Shiva.
🔹 First Prahar – 6:27 PM to 9:29 PM
🔹 Second Prahar – 9:29 PM to 12:31 AM
🔹 Third Prahar – 12:31 AM to 3:33 AM
🔹 Fourth Prahar – 3:33 AM to 6:35 AM
Spiritual and Religious Significance of Mahashivratri
- The Marriage of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati – According to mythology, Mahashivratri marks the divine union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Thus, the festival holds great importance for both married and unmarried women.
- Manifestation of Lord Shiva – As per ancient scriptures, Lord Shiva manifested as the Shivling on this day, making Shivling worship especially significant.
- Path to Salvation (Moksha) – The Skanda Purana, Shiva Purana, and Linga Purana state that those who observe Mahashivratri fast and stay awake all night attain freedom from all sorrows and achieve moksha (liberation).
- Removal of Negative Energies – According to astrology, performing Rudrabhishek on Mahashivratri eliminates negative energies, pacifies malefic effects of Saturn (Shani), Rahu, and Ketu, and brings peace and prosperity.
Mahashivratri Puja Vidhi and Vrat Rules
🔹 Take a morning bath and wear clean clothes.
🔹 Resolve to observe fast and worship Lord Shiva.
🔹 Perform Abhishek of Shivling using Ganga water, milk, curd, honey, ghee, and sugar.
🔹 Offer Bilva leaves, Bhang, Dhatura, white flowers, Chandan, and rice to Lord Shiva.
🔹 Light incense and lamps, chant Shiva Aarti, and recite ‘Om Namah Shivaya’.
🔹 Stay awake at night and chant Shiva mantras.
🔹 Break the fast the next morning after completing the puja.
Importance of Rudrabhishek on Mahashivratri
Performing Rudrabhishek on Mahashivratri is considered highly auspicious. This ritualistic bathing of Lord Shiva with sacred items brings divine blessings.
Benefits of Rudrabhishek:
✅ Brings financial prosperity.
✅ Grants blessings for marriage and children.
✅ Removes Shani, Rahu, and Ketu doshas.
✅ Enhances peace, happiness, and positive energy at home.
Powerful Shiva Mantras for Mahashivratri
🔹 Mahamrityunjaya Mantra –
“Om Tryambakam Yajamahe Sugandhim Pushtivardhanam,
Urvarukamiva Bandhanan Mrityor Mukshiya Maamritat.”
🔹 Panchakshari Mantra –
“Om Namah Shivaya.”
🔹 Rudra Gayatri Mantra –
“Om Tatpurushaya Vidmahe Mahadevaya Dhimahi,
Tanno Rudrah Prachodayat.”
Conclusion
Mahashivratri is a sacred festival that symbolizes devotion, self-discipline, and spiritual awakening. Observing this fast with sincerity helps devotees overcome difficulties, fulfill desires, and progress spiritually. Celebrate Mahashivratri 2025 on February 26 with faith and devotion to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva.
🚩 Har Har Mahadev! 🚩