Maha Shivaratri Significance & Spiritual Meaning
Maha Shivaratri is the Great Night of Shiva, when devotees stay awake in devotion, fasting and offering prayers. It is one of the most sacred nights for Shaivites.
Maha Shivaratri Mythology & Legend
According to the Shiva Purana, on this night Lord Shiva performed the cosmic dance (Tandava) and married Parvati. Another legend says that Shiva saved the world by drinking the poison (halahala) that emerged during the churning of the ocean, and Parvati held it in his throat, turning it blue (Neelkanth).
Maha Shivaratri 2027 Puja Rituals & Vidhi
- At sunrise, take a bath and begin nirjala or fruit/milk fast.
- Every three hours (four prahars), perform Shiva puja with bilva leaves, milk, honey, and bhang.
- Chant Om Namah Shivaya and Shiva mantras throughout the night.
- Offer water (abhishekam) to the Shiva Lingam; keep a vigil and avoid sleep.
- At dawn the next day, perform the final puja and break the fast.
Maha Shivaratri Mantras in Sanskrit
ॐ नमः शिवाय
oṃ namaḥ śivāya
Salutations to Shiva
Maha Shivaratri Traditional Foods & Prasad
- ●After fast: fruits, milk, sabudana
- ●Bhang (in some regions)
- ●No grains during fast
Maha Shivaratri Regional Celebrations across India
North India(महाशिवरात्रि)
Temple visits, night-long bhajans
South India(மகா சிவராத்திரி)
Lingam abhishekam
Nepal(महाशिवरात्रि)
Great national festival at Pashupatinath
Maha Shivaratri Do's & Don't's
Do's
- ✓Observe fast with sincerity
- ✓Offer bilva leaves to Shiva
- ✓Stay awake and meditate or chant
- ✓Visit a Shiva temple
Don'ts
- ✗Avoid non-vegetarian food and alcohol
- ✗Do not sleep during the night
- ✗Avoid anger and negative thoughts
Maha Shivaratri — Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Maha Shivaratri?
- Maha Shivaratri is the Great Night of Shiva, when devotees stay awake in devotion, fasting and offering prayers.
- When is Maha Shivaratri 2027?
- In 2027, Maha Shivaratri falls on Sunday, 7 March 2027.
- What are the Maha Shivaratri puja rituals?
- At sunrise, take a bath and begin nirjala or fruit/milk fast.; Every three hours (four prahars), perform Shiva puja with bilva leaves, milk, honey, and bhang.; Chant Om Namah Shivaya and Shiva mantras throughout the night.; Offer water (abhishekam) to the Shiva Lingam; keep a vigil and avoid sleep.
- What to eat on Maha Shivaratri?
- After fast: fruits, milk, sabudana, Bhang (in some regions), No grains during fast
- What should you do on Maha Shivaratri?
- Observe fast with sincerity; Offer bilva leaves to Shiva; Stay awake and meditate or chant
- What should you avoid on Maha Shivaratri?
- Avoid non-vegetarian food and alcohol; Do not sleep during the night; Avoid anger and negative thoughts
- Which deity is worshipped on Maha Shivaratri?
- Maha Shivaratri is dedicated to Shiva.
Upcoming Maha Shivaratri Dates in 2026, 2027 & Beyond
Maha Shivaratri is a sacred Hindu festival observed on the tithi shown. Dates are calculated from the Panchang for your region.
Times shown for New Delhi, India (IST)
| Date | Day | Moonrise Time | Special Name |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 Mar 2027 | Sunday | 05:55 am | — |